Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Virtue she finds too painful an endeavour, content to dwell in decencies for ever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of virtue can be challenging, leading some to settle for mere decency instead.
In this quote, Alexander Pope suggests that the pursuit of true virtue is often fraught with difficulties and can be painfully demanding. As a result, some individuals may choose to remain comfortably within the bounds of decency rather than striving for the higher, more restless ideals of virtue, ultimately reflecting on the human condition and our choices in moral living.
Themes
VirtueDecencyPainfulEndeavourHuman Condition
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on ethical living, you might reference this quote to emphasize the struggles of maintaining high moral standards.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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