The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True goodness is demonstrated by a desire for the scrutiny of virtuous individuals.
This quote suggests that an individual's morality is genuinely reflected in their willingness to seek the approval and accountability of morally good people. It emphasizes the idea that a good person not only acts rightly but also wishes to be viewed through the lens of virtue, thereby reinforcing their commitment to ethical behavior.
Themes
GoodnessMoralityVirtueAccountabilityObservation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about personal integrity during a leadership conference.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
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