This quote by Francis Bacon is a tip that virtue is something that should be valued and appreciated in its easiest form. He is suggesting that virtue needs to not be decorated with unneeded decorations, however rather ought to be valued for its own merits. He is also suggesting that virtue resembles a gemstone, something that is important and must be cherished. The idea of a "abundant stone" suggests that virtue is something that is valuable and should be valued. The expression "best plain set" implies that virtue must be valued in its most basic type, without any unneeded additions. This quote is a suggestion that virtue is something that must be valued and valued in its most basic form. It is a tip that virtue is something that ought to be treasured and appreciated for its own benefits, without any unnecessary embellishments.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
