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About this quote

What does it mean?
Virtues are defined as abstentions, suggesting good behavior is mainly about avoiding bad actions.
In plain terms
Virtues are about what you do not do.
What can you take from it?
Practice virtue by avoiding negative actions.

Where it applies

  • daily choices
  • self improvement

Putting it to work

  • avoid harmful actions
  • practice restraint

Questions to consider

  • Is virtue about doing or not doing?
  • What actions do you avoid?

Another view

Virtue involves more than just abstaining.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Un-American, adj. Wicked, intolerable, heathenish.

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  2. Vote, v. The instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.

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  3. Twice, adv. Once too often.

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