Armor Quote by Mary McCarthy
“The Crucifixion and other historical precedents notwithstanding, many of us still believe that outstanding goodness is a kind of armor, that virtue, seen plain and bare, gives pause to criminality. But perhaps it is the other way around.”
About This Quote
The quote challenges the notion that virtue protects against wrongdoing, suggesting that goodness may not deter crime.
In simple terms: Virtue may not shield from crime.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of moral armor.
Themes
ethics
human nature
crime
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- law enforcement
- education
- community building
- personal conduct
Key Concepts
philosophy
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can virtue alone prevent wrongdoing?
- What other safeguards are needed?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks systemic factors influencing crime.
![“As early as 1776, [John Adams] expressed his doubts about America's capacity for virtue. "I have seen all along my Life, Such Selfishness, and Littleness even in New England, that I sometimes tremble to think that, altho We are engaged in the best Cause that ever employed the Human Heart, yet the…” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a6f/gordon-s-wood-13199_america_as-early-as-1776-john-adams-expressed-hi_2453880.jpg)
![“She considered [her] life, which had not been a life but only a sort of greeting, a Hello There.” quote by Mary McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/354/mary-mccarthy-2691_considered_she-considered-her-life-which-had-not-be_53594.jpg)
