This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte emphasizes the importance of the motivations behind our actions. It argues that if a person is doing the right thing for the sole purpose of gaining recognition or fame, they are on a slippery slope towards moral corruption. This is because their actions are not genuinely rooted in moral principles, but in self-interest and vanity.

The quote draws a distinction between virtue and virtue signaling. Virtue is the practice of moral and ethical principles for their own sake, while virtue signaling is the act of expressing or demonstrating these principles to gain social approval or admiration. According to Bonaparte, the latter is dangerously close to vice because it is essentially a form of manipulation and deceit, a way of using moral principles for personal gain.

In today’s world, this concept can be seen in many areas, especially in the age of social media where actions are often publicized for likes, shares, and comments. For example, an individual might donate to a charity or support a social cause and then publicize this act on social media. If the primary motive behind this act is to gain recognition rather than to genuinely help others, then according to Bonaparte, this individual is “very near to vice.”

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder to examine our motives and ensure that our actions align with our values, not our desire for recognition. It encourages us to strive for authenticity and genuine goodness, rather than the appearance of it. It also underscores the importance of humility, suggesting that the truly virtuous person does not seek to broadcast their virtue to others, but simply to practice it.