For most men, and most circumstances, pleasure --tangible material prosperity in this world --is the safest test of virtue. Progress has ever been through the pleasures rather than through the extreme sharp virtues, and the most virtuous have leaned to excess rather than to asceticism.

Summary

This quote suggests that, in general, most people view tangible pleasures and material prosperity as the solid indicators of virtue. It claims that progress and advancement have historically been achieved by pursuing pleasures, rather than by practicing extreme virtues. It further asserts that those regarded as the most virtuous often tended to embrace excess rather than practicing asceticism. Therefore, this perspective implies that the pursuit of pleasure and prosperity acts as a more reliable measure of virtue for the majority of individuals in various circumstances.

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