Quote by Samuel Butler
When the righteous man truth away from his righteousness that he hath committed and doeth that which is neither quite lawful nor quite right, he will generally be found to have gained in amiability what he has lost in holiness.
Summary
This quote suggests that when a righteous person strays from their virtuous path and engages in actions that are morally ambiguous or unlawful, they often become more agreeable or likable in character. The implication is that while they may have compromised their moral integrity, this shift is often accompanied by an increase in charm or affability. It highlights the potential trade-off between righteousness and likability, implying that individuals who deviate from righteousness may find themselves gaining social popularity at the expense of moral purity.