"Virtue would go far if vanity did not keep it company"
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
About this Quote
This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld speaks to the idea that virtue, or ethical excellence, is often prevented by vanity, or extreme pride in one's own appearance or accomplishments. La Rochefoucauld recommends that if vanity did not accompany virtue, it would be able to go much even more. This indicates that vanity can be a barrier to virtue, as it can lead to a concentrate on one's own accomplishments and appearance, instead of on the greater good.
Vanity can result in a sense of supremacy, which can cause an absence of compassion and understanding for others. This can be a barrier to virtue, as it can result in a lack of consideration for the requirements of others. Furthermore, vanity can lead to a focus on product ownerships and status, instead of on the pursuit of moral excellence.
La Rochefoucauld's quote speaks to the idea that virtue is typically prevented by vanity, which if vanity did not accompany it, virtue would be able to go much further. It is a pointer that we must aim to concentrate on ethical excellence, rather than on our own achievements and look.
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