This quote suggests that a virtuous person is content with merely dreaming or imagining certain actions or behaviors, while a wicked person would go ahead and actually perform those actions in real life. The virtuous person understands the moral implications and the potential harm that such actions might cause, and therefore refrains from doing them. On the other hand, the wicked person, driven by selfish desires or lack of moral restraint, carries out those actions regardless of their consequences.

This quote also highlights the power of dreams and imagination. For the virtuous man, dreams serve as a safe space where he can explore different scenarios or experiences without causing real harm. It’s a way of experiencing life in its full complexity, including its darker aspects, without crossing ethical boundaries.

In the context of today’s world, this quote can be applied to various scenarios. For instance, in a world increasingly dominated by social media, many people might be tempted to indulge in harmful behaviors such as cyberbullying, trolling, or spreading fake news for personal satisfaction or to cause harm to others. A virtuous person, however, would resist these temptations, understanding the potential harm they can cause. They might imagine what it would be like to wield such power, but they would never act on it.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of self-restraint, empathy, and moral judgment. It encourages individuals to dream and imagine, but also to distinguish between what is morally right and wrong, and to act accordingly. It teaches us that virtue lies not just in our actions, but also in our dreams and our ability to control them. It reminds us that our dreams are a reflection of our inner selves, and that we should strive to ensure that this reflection is as virtuous as our real-life actions.