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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often stray from virtue to satisfy a goal, then quickly return to safety.
In plain terms
People do wrong things to get what they want, then go back to being safe.
What can you take from it?
Recognize when moral compromises are just temporary detours to safety.

Where it applies

  • making ethical compromises
  • returning to status quo
  • justifying bad acts

Putting it to work

  • check motives
  • avoid shortcuts

Questions to consider

  • Do you return to safety quickly after taking risks?

Another view

It suggests people only want virtue for comfort.

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