Character Quote by Thomas Paine
“A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Rights of Man” by Thomas Paine, 1791
Moderation in personal temperament is virtuous, but applying moderation to principles leads to compromise and weakness.
In simple terms: Temperance is good; principle moderation is bad.
Key Takeaway
Uphold strong principles without compromise.
Themes
virtue
principle
moderation
politics
Mood
critical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- personal ethics
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Ethics
political philosophy
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you compromised a core belief?
- What risks arise from excessive moderation?
A Different Perspective
Over‑moderation can dilute essential values.
![“In the sense of Lewis, I am a moderately 'good man'". ~R. Alan Woods [2012]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/99a/r-alan-woods-1455_good_in-the-sense-of-lewis-i-am-a-moderately_2941774.jpg)
![“A surprising number [of novels] have been read aloud to me, and I like all if moderately good, and if they do not end unhappily-against which a law ought to be passed.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6bb/charles-darwin-507_biographies_a-surprising-number-of-novels-have-been_2530641.jpg)
