I find that the best goodness I have has some tincture of vice.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Even our best moral actions often contain some selfish or flawed motives.
- In plain terms
- Good deeds can still have a bit of bad mixed in.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept that human virtue is imperfect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can true goodness exist without any vice?
Another view
Some actions are genuinely selfless despite flaws.
More from Michel de Montaigne
A man may be humble through vainglory.
Permalink to quote #34 Saying is one thing and doing is another.
Permalink to quote #36 How many valiant men we have seen to survive their own reputation!
Permalink to quote #33
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