"It is always one's virtues and not one's vices that precipitate one into disaster"

This quote by Rebecca West recommends that it is not our flaws or weak points that lead us to disaster, however rather our strengths and virtues. It implies that when we rely too heavily on our positive qualities, we can become overconfident and make mistakes that can lead to disaster. For instance, if we are too trusting, we might be made the most of. If we are too enthusiastic, we might take on too much and end up being overwhelmed. If we are too generous, we may give away too much and end up in monetary difficulty. The quote is a reminder to utilize our virtues in moderation and to be familiar with the prospective effects of our actions. It is a tip to be modest and to be mindful of our constraints. Ultimately, it is a pointer to use our virtues to our benefit, however to be familiar with the possible threats.