Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Virtue often stems from lack of choice rather than moral strength. Plainness limits exposure to vice.
- In plain terms
- Simple people are virtuous because they have few chances to sin. It is about opportunity.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that circumstances often dictate moral behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is virtue only about choice?
- How much do environment shape character?
Another view
Many virtuous people choose goodness despite having opportunities to do otherwise.
More from Maya Angelou
Men fear death, as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased with tales, so is the other.
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