He could afford to be generous, since he didn't have to pay for it himself. Most virtues were like that. People could take pride in how virtuous they were, but the fact was that as soon as virtue got expensive or inconvenient, it was amazing how fast it gave way to practical concerns.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that people often prioritize their own interests when it comes to virtues and moral behavior. The speaker suggests that it is easy to appear virtuous and generous when the cost or sacrifice involved is minimal. However, as soon as virtue becomes expensive or inconvenient, individuals tend to prioritize practical concerns over maintaining their virtue. This explanation underscores the notion that true virtue is tested when it requires genuine sacrifice and selflessness, rather than being solely determined by one's ability to afford it.

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