"Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly be corrupt"
- Joseph Addison
About this Quote
This quote by Joseph Addison talks to the concept that suspicion can be a destructive force in both our individual lives and our ethical lives. Suspicion can result in a lack of trust and a lack of faith in others, which can lead to an absence of happiness. It can also result in a lack of virtue, as suspicion can cause a lack of stability and an absence of ethical nerve. Additionally, suspicion can result in a cycle of corruption, as those who are currently corrupt are naturally suspicious, and those who end up being suspicious will quickly become corrupt. This quote functions as a warning to be cautious of suspicion, as it can result in an absence of both happiness and virtue.
"When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must at the price of dearest peace lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy with all the fire of your faith"