"In the midst of vice we are in virtue, and vice versa"
- Samuel Butler
About this Quote
This quote by Samuel Butler recommends that there is a balance between virtue and vice. It suggests that even in the midst of vice, there is still virtue, and vice versa. This could be interpreted in a few methods. It might mean that even in the middle of immoral behavior, there is still some great, and even in the midst of moral habits, there is still some bad. It could likewise indicate that the 2 are linked, which it is impossible to have one without the other.
This quote could be interpreted as a tip to be mindful of our actions and to pursue balance. It might be a suggestion to not be too hard on ourselves when we make errors, and to acknowledge that even in our worst minutes, there is still some great. It could likewise be a suggestion to not be too complacent in our ethical behavior, and to recognize that even in our best minutes, there is still some bad.
Eventually, this quote by Samuel Butler acts as a suggestion that virtue and vice are intertwined, and that it is necessary to pursue balance in our lives.
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