Virtue is like precious odors - most fragrant when they are incensed or crushed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Virtue shines brightest when tested or faced with adversity.
- In plain terms
- Good character is most obvious when it is challenged.
- What can you take from it?
- Adversity reveals true character.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What tests your character?
- How do you behave under pressure?
Another view
Some virtuous people may not get tested publicly.
More from Francis Bacon
Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.
Permalink to quote #78 The joys of parents are secret; and so are their griefs and fears. They cannot utter the one; nor they will not utter the other.
Permalink to quote #80 Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes.
Permalink to quote #77
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