"I hate liberality - nine times out of ten it is cowardice, and the tenth time lack of principle"
- Henry Addington
About this Quote
Henry Addington's quote speaks with the idea that liberality, or generosity, is frequently not a sign of stamina or principles, however rather a sign of weakness or a lack of concepts. He recommends that nine times out of 10, liberality signifies cowardice, or a fear of defending one's ideas. The tenth time, he indicates, is a sign of a lack of concepts, or a lack of ethical sentences. In other words, liberality is not constantly a sign of toughness or morality, yet instead an indication of weak point or an absence of principles. Addington's quote is a suggestion that we should be careful not to confuse liberality with toughness or morality, which we should watch out for those that are also generous.
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