Unbounded courage and compassion join'd, Tempering each other in the victor's mind, Alternately proclaim him good and great, And make the hero and the man complete.
Joseph AddisonRead
There is no greater sign of a general decay of virtue in a nation, than a want of zeal in its inhabitants for the good of their country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that a lack of passion for the welfare of one's country reflects a deeper moral decline among its people.
Joseph Addison points out that when a nation’s citizens show indifference and lack of enthusiasm for contributing to the common good, it is a clear indicator that virtue and morality are deteriorating within that society. This observation invites reflection on the civic responsibilities of individuals and the importance of nurturing a sense of community and care for one's country.
Themes
VirtueCountryDecayZealCitizenship
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a civic engagement rally to inspire active participation.
More from Joseph Addison
All quotes →Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.
Joseph AddisonRead
Ridicule is generally made use of to laugh men out of virtue and good sense, by attacking everything praiseworthy in human life.
Joseph AddisonRead
Admiration is a very short lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object, unless it still be fed with fresh discoveries, and kept alive by a new perpetual succession of miracles rising up to its view.
Joseph AddisonRead
It is impossible for us, who live in the latter ages of the world, to make observations in criticism, morality, or in any art or science, which have not been touched upon by others. We have little else left us but to represent the common sense of mankind in more strong, more beautiful, or more uncommon lights.
Joseph AddisonRead
An ostentatious man will rather relate a blunder or an absurdity he has committed, than be debarred from talking of his own dear person.
Joseph AddisonRead
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