Cicero: “There are splendid examples in history where the apparent expediency of the state has been set at naught out of regard…”

But for the most part, people are led to wrong-doing in order to secure some personal end; in this vice, avarice is generally the controlling motive.

From this attitude come greatness of soul and a sense of superiority to worldly conditions.

For we contend, for example, with a fellow-citizen in one way, if he is a personal enemy, in another, if he is a rival: with the rival it is a struggle for office and position, with the enemy for life and honour.

Such acts of generosity are not to be so highly esteemed as those which are performed with judgment, deliberation, and mature consideration.