Extravagant Quote by William Edward Hartpole Lecky
“There have certainly been many periods in history when virtue was more rare than under the Caesars; but there has probably never been a period when vice was more extravagant or uncontrolled.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Essay: “The History of England” (1905) analysis
Virtue has become rarer over time, while vice has grown more extravagant and unchecked.
In simple terms: Moral standards decline as immoral behavior flourishes.
Key Takeaway
Strive to uphold virtue in a corrupt era.
Themes
morality
history
decline
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate ethics
- personal conduct
- public policy
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social decay
Questions to Reflect On
- Is virtue truly rarer today?
- How can societies curb excess vice?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ; not universal.
![“Her [Mary's] motherhood extends beyond view. In the will of the Son, she becomes at once mother and maid: sheltering him, but sheltered in him, forming him, but formed by him ... When she pronounces the words: 'Be it done to me according to thy word', the Mother conceives the mystery from the…” quote by Adrienne von Speyr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/428/adrienne-von-speyr-60504_done_her-mary-s-motherhood-extends-beyond-vie_209859.jpg)
![“[Middleton] contended that the religious leaders of the fourth century had admitted, eulogised, and habitually acted upon principles that were diametrically opposed, not simply to the aspirations of a transcendent sanctity, but to the dictates of the most common honesty. He showed that they had…” quote by William Edward Hartpole Lecky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe6/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_adopted_middleton-contended-that-the-religious-l_484601.jpg)
