--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even honor and virtue make enemies…" description: "\"Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.\" — Tacitus" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ed/tacitus-1552_character_even-honor-and-virtue-make-enemies-conde_2422609.jpg" --- # Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they… ![“Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.” quote by Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ed/tacitus-1552_character_even-honor-and-virtue-make-enemies-conde_2422609.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ed/tacitus-1552_character_even-honor-and-virtue-make-enemies-conde_2422609.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ed/tacitus-1552_character_even-honor-and-virtue-make-enemies-conde_2422609.jpg) > “Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.” [Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Honor and virtue can create adversaries because they highlight opposing traits too starkly. **In simple terms:** Virtue can provoke opposition. Key Takeaway Recognize that excellence may attract rivalry. Themes honor virtue conflict perception contrast Mood reflective serious Type philosophical observational When to use this quote - political rivalry - personal relationships - leadership challenges - ethical dilemmas Key Concepts Stoicism social dynamics identity Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance excellence with humility? - When does virtue become a source of conflict? A Different Perspective Even noble qualities can alienate those who feel threatened. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Condemning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/condemning/) [Condemning Opposites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/condemning-opposites-6136685/) [Contrast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contrast/) [Enemies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemies/) [Enemies Condemning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemies-condemning-6136686/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Honor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honor/) [Honor Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honor-virtue-839955/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Opposites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposites/) [Opposites Close](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposites-close-6136687/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [“One of the regrets of my life is that I did not study Latin. 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They don't have to be preachy, self serving or reactionary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ti-west/conversations-about-piracy-don-t-have-to-be-condemning-they-don-t/) [Ti West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ti-west/) > [The White House begun airing their TV commercials to re-elect the president, and the John Kerry campaign is condemning his use of 9/11 in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-leno/the-white-house-begun-airing-their-tv-commercials-to-re-elect-the/) [Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-leno/) ## More by Tacitus > [Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/benefits-received-are-a-delight-to-us-as-long-as-we-think-we-can/) [Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/) > [Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/rumor-does-not-always-err-it-sometimes-even-elects-a-man/) [Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/) > [ None mourn more ostentatiously than those who most rejoice at it \[a death\]. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/none-mourn-more-ostentatiously-than-those-who-most-rejoice-at-it-a/) [Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/) > [So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tacitus/so-true-is-it-that-all-transactions-of-preeminent-importance-are/) [Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tacitus/) > [Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. 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