Character Quote by Ralph C. Wood
““Tolkien understands the odd danger posed by virtue cut off from the Good. Over and again, he demonstrates his fundamental conviction that evil preys upon our virtues far more than our vices. Our very strengths and assets-whether intelligence or bravery, diligence or loyalty or beauty, but especially righteousness-may dispose us either to scorn those who lack such virtues, or else to employ our gifts for our own selfish ends.””
About This Quote
Virtue detached from goodness can become dangerous, as evil exploits strengths like intelligence or bravery for selfish ends.
In simple terms: Goodness is needed to keep virtues from being misused.
Key Takeaway
Align virtues with moral purpose.
Themes
ethics
virtue
evil
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent virtues from becoming tools of selfishness?
- How can societies foster virtue aligned with the good?
A Different Perspective
Virtues can be corrupted if not grounded in a higher moral framework.
![“What makes Galadriel such a remarkable figure is her serenity amidst the coming defeat of her realm and her people. Far from resigning herself to any sort of fatalism, she desires only that the ought shall become the is: "Yet if you [Frodo] succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlorien…” quote by Ralph C. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5db/ralph-c-wood-49122_failure_what-makes-galadriel-such-a-remarkable-f_655524.jpg)
