Capable Quote by Norm MacDonald
“They that are virtuous from principle may receive confidence in every capacity; but they that are so from custom or habit, are capable of trust only in matters of ordinary and settled occurrence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Comedy Central Roast, Norm MacDonald, 2005
Virtue from principle yields broad trust, whereas virtue from habit limits trust to familiar, routine matters.
In simple terms: Principled virtue is trusted everywhere; habit‑based virtue only in routine.
Key Takeaway
Build character based on principles, not just routine.
Themes
ethics
trust
principle
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership roles
- team projects
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
character development
reliability
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you cultivate principle‑based virtue?
- When have you trusted someone only because of habit?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on habit may hinder growth in novel situations.
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![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
