Ainsi que la vertu, le crime a ses degres; Et jamais on n'a vu la timide innocence Passer subitement a l'extreme licence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Virtue and crime both have stages; innocence doesn't jump suddenly to extreme license.
- In plain terms
- Bad behavior escalates gradually, just like good behavior.
- What can you take from it?
- Change happens in steps, not sudden jumps.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does character change?
- Are sudden shifts possible?
Another view
Not all moral shifts are gradual.
More from Jean Racine
L'innocence enfin n'a rien a redouter.
Permalink to quote #9 Pour reparer des ans l'irreparable outrage.
Permalink to quote #11 Ce n'est plus une ardeur dans mes veines cachee: C'est Venus toute entiere a sa proie attachee.
Permalink to quote #8
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