"Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue"

This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that even though individuals might act in a way that is contrary to what is considered virtuous, they still recognize the value of virtue and will frequently pay lip service to it. In other words, they may pretend to support the worths of virtue, although their actions might not show it. This quote indicates that people might be aware of what is right and incorrect, however they might pick to act in a way that is not in line with those values. This quote also suggests that individuals might understand the effects of their actions, but they may still select to act in a manner that is not in line with what is thought about virtuous. In conclusion, this quote suggests that although people might act in a manner that contrasts what is thought about virtuous, they still recognize the value of virtue and will frequently pay lip service to it.