Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the regulation of conscience.

Summary

This quote suggests that virtue, when taken to extreme levels, becomes dangerous as it lacks the natural check of one's conscience. While vice is often seen as something negative, the quote implies that it is not as concerning as excessive virtue. Unlike vice, which is typically restrained by moral principles, the unrestrained pursuit of virtue can lead to harmful actions without a conscience to provide necessary boundaries. This serves as a reminder that even virtues should be practiced in balance to avoid potential negative consequences.

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