"People praise virtue, but they hate it, they run away from it. It freezes you to death, and in this world you've got to keep your feet warm"

In this quote, Denis Diderot is highlighting the paradoxical nature of human habits when it comes to virtue. He observes that while individuals frequently applaud and appreciate those who have virtuous qualities, they themselves tend to shy away from embodying those exact same virtues. Diderot suggests that this is due to the fact that virtue needs discipline and self-control, which can be uneasy and even painful sometimes. He compares it to being frozen, implying that it can be a tough and unpleasant experience. However, he also acknowledges the significance of virtue in navigating the obstacles of the world. He uses the metaphor of keeping one's feet warm to emphasize the requirement for functionality and durability in the face of difficulty. Overall, Diderot's quote highlights the complex relationship in between humans and virtue, and the battle to balance our desires with our moral concepts.