--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We may so seize on virtue, that if we…" description: "\"We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.\" — Michel de Montaigne" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fee/michel-de-montaigne-142_character_we-may-so-seize-on-virtue-that-if-we-emb_3045645.jpg" --- # We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an… ![“We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.” quote by Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fee/michel-de-montaigne-142_character_we-may-so-seize-on-virtue-that-if-we-emb_3045645.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fee/michel-de-montaigne-142_character_we-may-so-seize-on-virtue-that-if-we-emb_3045645.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fee/michel-de-montaigne-142_character_we-may-so-seize-on-virtue-that-if-we-emb_3045645.jpg) > “We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.” [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Overemphasizing virtue with greed can corrupt it into vice. **In simple terms:** Greedy pursuit can ruin virtue. Key Takeaway Guard against selfish motives in moral pursuits. Themes ethics human nature virtue Mood reflective cautionary Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal development - leadership - social movements - policy making Key Concepts moral philosophy psychology Questions to Reflect On - Can virtue exist without self‑interest? - What safeguards prevent virtue from becoming exploitation? A Different Perspective Virtue pursued for power may become harmful. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Violent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violent/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [There's only one passion in most artists more violent than their desire for admiration: their fear of identifying the nature of such admiration as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/there-s-only-one-passion-in-most-artists-more-violent-than-their/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [The thirst for fame is much greater than that for virtue; for who would embrace virtue itself if you take away its rewards? \[Lat.,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/juvenal/the-thirst-for-fame-is-much-greater-than-that-for-virtue-for-who/) [Juvenal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/juvenal/) > [A man must either imitate the vicious or hate them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/a-man-must-either-imitate-the-vicious-or-hate-them/) [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [There exists in this country, sadly, a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells and stows violence against its own people through vicious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-lapierre/there-exists-in-this-country-sadly-a-callous-corrupt-and-corrupting/) [Wayne LaPierre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-lapierre/) > [Custom is a violent and treacherous school mistress. 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