"There are men whom a happy disposition, a strong desire of glory and esteem, inspire with the same love for justice and virtue which men in general have for riches and honors... But the number of these men is so small that I only mention them in honor of humanity"

The quote by Claud-Adrian Helvetius checks out the idea that while many people are encouraged by the pursuit of wealth and status, there exists a rare group of people driven by a real passion for justice and virtue. Helvetius contrasts these two inspirations to highlight the exceptional nature of those few who are motivated by worthy perfects instead of material or social gains.

Helvetius begins by acknowledging that a "happy disposition" and a "strong desire of magnificence and esteem" can motivate some people to cherish justice and virtue. These individuals are defined by a positive outlook on life and an intrinsic inspiration for fame and acknowledgment-- not through standard ways such as wealth and power, however through ethical and ethical accomplishments. This suggests that for such individuals, the pursuit of a virtuous life is comparable to achieving considerable individual splendor, aligning their sense of esteem with values that benefit mankind as a whole.

However, Helvetius is poignant in his evaluation of the rarity of such people. He acknowledges that their numbers are extremely small, which implicitly talks about the more comprehensive human condition. By stating that he discusses them "in honor of humankind", Helvetius is expressing admiration for these rare individuals while at the same time regreting their scarcity. It indicates a review of the typical human pursuit of material wealth, recommending that society frequently overlooks the true worth of justice and virtue.

Through this observation, Helvetius invites readers to review their own motivations and the values they hold vital. His words challenge the tendency to prioritize personal gains over collective wellness, urging a reconsideration of what constitutes real esteem and glory. Ultimately, the quote acts as both a homage to extraordinary individuals who live by high perfects and a call for others to desire comparable virtues, highlighting the transformative effect these rare souls can have on society.