"A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice"

This quote by Thomas Paine is stressing the importance of having strong concepts and not going for mediocrity. He is saying that if something is just reasonably excellent, it is not good enough and should be improved upon. He is likewise saying that having a moderate mood is a virtue, but having a moderate concept is a vice. This suggests that having a strong ethical compass and defending what is right is more vital than being reasonable and compromising. Paine is suggesting that we need to strive for excellence and not go for anything less than our best. He is motivating us to have strong convictions and to stand up for what our company believe in, even if it means going versus the grain.