"It is the function of vice to keep virtue within reasonable bounds"

This quote by Samuel Butler recommends that vice, or immoral behavior, serves a purpose in society. It implies that without vice, virtue, or moral behavior, would become excessive and out of control. To put it simply, vice assists to keep virtue in check and keep a balance between the two. This concept resembles the principle of yin and yang, where two opposing forces are essential to keep balance and harmony.

The quote likewise recommends that vice is essential to prevent virtue from becoming too severe. Without vice, virtue could become oppressive and lead to an absence of liberty and imagination. Vice can assist to keep virtue in check and ensure that it does not become too extreme or oppressive.

In general, this quote by Samuel Butler suggests that vice is needed to preserve balance and consistency in society. It suggests that without vice, virtue might become too extreme and overbearing. Vice assists to keep virtue in check and guarantee that it does not become too severe or oppressive.