Character Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book I, 1580
Overemphasizing virtue with greed can corrupt it into vice.
In simple terms: Greedy pursuit can ruin virtue.
Guard against selfish motives in moral pursuits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership
- social movements
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can virtue exist without self‑interest?
- What safeguards prevent virtue from becoming exploitation?
Virtue pursued for power may become harmful.