"It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit"

This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld speaks with the idea that typically, it is our own laziness and timidity that keeps us from straying from our duties, while virtue is offered all the credit. He is suggesting that it is simpler to stay within our convenience zone and do what is anticipated people, rather than take risks and push ourselves to do more. This is not to state that virtue is trivial, but rather that it is frequently much easier to stay within our boundaries and not take dangers. He is also suggesting that laziness and timidity can be a form of self-preservation, as it can be simpler to remain within our comfort zone than to take risks and potentially stop working. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the concept that it is typically easier to remain within our boundaries than to take risks and press ourselves, and that virtue is frequently provided more credit than it is due.