Virtue needs a director and guide. Vice can be learned even without a teacher.

This quote encapsulates the idea that virtue, or moral excellence, requires guidance and direction, while vice, or immoral behavior, can be picked up without any formal instruction. Virtue is seen as something complex and sophisticated, requiring effort and understanding to attain. It’s not something that comes naturally but requires education, discipline, and a conscious effort to cultivate.

On the other hand, vice is seen as the easy, default setting that humans can fall into without much effort. It doesn’t require teaching because it often stems from our base instincts and desires which can lead us astray from moral behavior. This suggests that we are naturally inclined towards vice and must work hard to achieve virtue.

Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development can be seen in how we approach self-improvement and ethical behavior. It highlights the importance of having a mentor or guide in our journey towards becoming better individuals, as virtue can be a challenging path to navigate alone. It could also mean that we must be conscious and intentional about our actions, as it’s easy to slip into bad habits or unethical behavior without realizing it.

Furthermore, in the context of society, it underscores the importance of education and guidance in instilling good values and ethical behavior. It suggests that without proper direction, individuals can easily fall into vice, leading to societal problems like crime, corruption, and other forms of immorality.

In conclusion, this quote serves as a reminder that achieving moral excellence is a deliberate and conscious effort that requires guidance, while vice is a path that can be treaded effortlessly without instruction. It emphasizes the importance of conscious self-improvement and ethical education in personal and societal development.