"No man deserves to be praised for his goodness, who has it not in his power to be wicked. Goodness without that power is generally nothing more than sloth, or an impotence of will"

This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that real goodness is not something that can be applauded, as it is not something that can be chosen. He implies that goodness without the power to be wicked is not true goodness, however rather a lack of will or effort. He is suggesting that real goodness is a conscious option, which without the power to choose wickedness, it is not a true act of goodness. He is implying that real goodness is a conscious choice to do what is right, even when it is tough. He is also recommending that without the power to pick wickedness, goodness is not something that can be praised. He is indicating that true goodness is a mindful effort to do what is right, even when it is tough.