"There's no credit in not doing what you don't want to do. There's no virtue in not falling, when you're not tempted"

Gilbert Parker's quote, "There's no credit in refraining from doing what you don't wish to do. There's no virtue in not falling, when you're not lured," explores the styles of restraint, temptation, and the step of virtue. At its core, the quote suggests that it is neither admirable nor virtuous to avoid actions or errors that one is not inclined to engage in from the start. Parker challenges the idea of passive morality, where individuals are in some cases credited for abstaining from unfavorable actions or decisions that they were never lured by in the very first place.

To unpack the very first part, "There's no credit in refraining from doing what you don't want to do," Parker suggests that simply refraining from an action because it is unattractive or undesirable is not commendable. True merit originates from withstanding an action that is tempting or hard to prevent, not simply staying away from things that hold no appeal. This aspect of the quote calls attention to the often-overlooked difference between real sacrifice or self-control and mere disinterest.

The 2nd part, "There's no virtue in not falling, when you're not tempted," echoes a comparable belief. Virtue, Parker suggests, is acknowledged when an individual purposely withstands temptation. If somebody is never lured, avoiding falling under vice is not an accomplishment; it's merely a default state of being. Virtue involves the battle and strength to select appropriately in the face of authentic allure or pressure.

In general, Parker's words provoke reflection on the nature of moral and ethical behavior. They suggest that true virtue and commendation are booked for those who deal with real obstacles and temptations but select to maintain their moral or ethical requirements. The quote encourages people to examine their actions and recognize that ethical strength and virtue are actively demonstrated through withstanding genuine temptations.