But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
So for a good old-gentlemanly vice, I think I must take up with avarice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that embracing greed can be seen as a morally questionable but common trait among people.
In this quote, Lord Byron reflects on the notion of avarice, characterizing it as a vice that is often indulged in by people, especially those in comfortable or privileged positions. He implies that this weakness is somewhat acceptable in a societal context, thus questioning the morality surrounding personal desires and the pursuit of wealth while acknowledging that such traits are part of human nature.
Themes
AvariceGreedViceMoralitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the moral implications of wealth accumulation, one could use this quote to highlight the accepted nature of greed.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
Lord ByronRead
For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
Lord ByronRead
Absence - that common cure of love.
Lord ByronRead
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
Lord ByronRead
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
Lord ByronRead
Similar quotes
I just have a sense that, you know, I'm curious about what is religion about, you know? Why do some of us still engage it? It's not because it's a set of old beliefs or old ideas. Or even, particularly, the view that this is the only true religion. Many of us no longer accept those views.
Elaine PagelsRead
Revolutionaries see history as a creation of their own spirit, as being made up of a continuous series of violent tugs at the other forces of society - both active and passive, and they prepare the maximum of favourable conditions for the definitive tug (revolution).
Antonio GramsciRead
What if consciousness is the ground of being? What if the possibilities discovered by quantum physics are the possibilities of consciousness itself? Remember there is already a class of people who think in this way. They are called mystics, and they say it is all God. Finally, a few scientists dared to say that some of the characteristics attributed to God are similar to what we describe as consciousness.
Amit GoswamiRead
Dear, damned, distracting town, farewell! Thy fools no more I'll tease: This year in peace, ye critics, dwell, Ye harlots, sleep at ease!
Alexander PopeRead
Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.
Evelyn WaughRead
Sleep is perverse as human nature, Sleep is perverse as a legislature, Sleep is as forward as hives or goiters, And where it is least desired, it loiters.
Ogden NashRead