Morality in the general is well enough known by men, but the particular refinements of virtue are unknown by most persons; thus the majority of parents, without knowing it and without intending it, give very bad examples to their children.
In "The Turgot Collection," Anne Robert Jacques Turgot highlights that while the general principles of morality are understood by most people, the nuanced aspects of virtue often remain elusive. This lack of understanding leads to a disconnect between moral knowledge and practice, especially in parenting. Many parents, even without realizing it, may exhibit behaviors that contradict the moral lessons they wish to impart to their children.
Turgot suggests that these unintended examples can negatively impact a child's development, as the subtleties of virtuous behavior are not always evident. This indicates the importance of not just knowing moral principles but also embodying them in daily life. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's understanding of morality, and being mindful of their own actions is essential to avoid imparting poor examples.
