"Happiness lies neither in vice nor in virtue; but in the manner we appreciate the one and the other, and the choice we make pursuant to our individual organization"
- Marquis de Sade
About this Quote
This quote by Marquis de Sade suggests that real joy does not originated from either extreme of vice or virtue, but rather from the way we perceive and select to act on either. It indicates that our specific company, or our own personal worths, beliefs, and experiences, will identify how we view and act on both vice and virtue. This recommends that our own personal worths and beliefs are the essential to discovering real happiness. It also indicates that we ought to not judge others for their options, as their private company might lead them to make different choices than we would. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to be conscious of our own individual company and to choose that are in line with our own values and beliefs in order to find real happiness.
"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"
