"Our virtues are most frequently but vices disguised"

This quote by Juvenal recommends that our virtues, or excellent qualities, are frequently just our vices, or bad qualities, in camouflage. In other words, what we consider great qualities might really be bad qualities that we are trying to conceal. This could be since we are attempting to present ourselves in a specific method, or since we are attempting to deceive others. It might also be because we are attempting to deceive ourselves, and encourage ourselves that our bad qualities are actually excellent.

This quote is a suggestion that we ought to be honest with ourselves and others about our real nature. We need to not try to conceal our bad qualities, however instead work to improve them. We ought to likewise know that what we think of as excellent qualities may actually be bad qualities in camouflage. By being truthful with ourselves and others, we can work to progress individuals and make the world a much better place.