"It is safest to be moderately base - to be flexible in shame, and to be always ready for what is generous, good, and just, when anything is to be gained by virtue"

This quote by Sydney Smith encourages us to be simple and to be willing to jeopardize in order to acquire something of worth. He recommends that it is much better to be flexible and happy to accept shame than to be too happy and threat losing out on something that is excellent and simply. He is suggesting that we ought to want to make sacrifices in order to acquire something of worth, such as virtue. This quote encourages us to be unbiased and to be willing to take threats in order to gain something of worth. It also encourages us to be generous and to be willing to do what is right, even if it means compromising our pride. By being willing to compromise and to be simple, we can get something of value that will benefit us in the long run.