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Single Idea 7913

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

Virtue would not go far without vanity to bear it company.

Gist of Idea

Virtue doesn't go far without the support of vanity

Source

La Rochefoucauld (Maxims [1663], 200)

Book Reference

Rochefoucauld,La: 'Maxims' [Penguin 1959], p.59


A Reaction

Rochefoucauld's cynicism gets a bit tedious, but lovers of virtue must face up to this possibility when they consider what motivates them. At the heart of Aristotle there is a missing question, of what is so good about right-functioning and virtue.