Beauty Quote by Matshona Dhliwayo
““Rest is good, but laziness is not. Labour is good, but slavery is not. Wine is good, but drunkenness is not. Food is good, but gluttony is not. Money is good, but greed is not. Wealth is good, but selfishness is not. Beauty is good, but vanity is not. Sex is good, but lust is not. Pleasure is good, but sin is not. Amusement is good, but decadence is not. Fame is good, but self importance is not. Confidence is good, but ego is not. Eloquence is good, but flattery is not. Charisma is good, but deception is not. Ambition is good, but self interest is not. Influence is good, but manipulation is not. Authority is good, but tyranny is not. Servitude is good, but bondage is not. Admiration is good, but idolatry is not. Law is good, but injustice is not. Race pride is good, but bigotry is not. Liberty is good, but recklessness is not. Freedom is good, but unruliness is not. Belief is good, but fanaticism is not. Religion is good, but extremism is not. Righteousness is good, but zealotry is not. All is good, but in excess is not.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on ethics, 2015
The quote lists many virtues and warns that each can become a vice when taken to extremes, emphasizing balance and moderation.
In simple terms: Virtues become vices if excessive.
Key Takeaway
Practice moderation in all pursuits.
Themes
ethics
balance
moderation
virtue
vice
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
cautious
Type
philosophical
advisory
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- relationships
- politics
- health
- spirituality
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
virtue ethics
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you tell when a good habit becomes harmful?
- What limits should society set on wealth and power?
A Different Perspective
Excess can be hard to recognize and may be socially rewarded.
