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About this quote

What does it mean?
Having merit for avoiding a fault is itself a form of guilt or moral compromise.
In plain terms
Simply not doing bad things doesn't make you virtuous if you only avoid them to look good.
What can you take from it?
True virtue goes beyond mere avoidance of sin.

Where it applies

  • moral self-assessment
  • ethical decision making
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • evaluate motives
  • avoid performative virtue

Questions to consider

  • Is avoiding sin enough for moral worth?
  • Why do we feel guilty for doing good?

Another view

This perspective might discourage people from simply doing the right thing.

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