The honest and good man ought to be exactly like a man who smells strong, so that the bystander as soon as he comes near him must smell whether he choose or not.
The quote suggests that a virtuous person should naturally exude goodness and integrity, much like a strong scent that is impossible to ignore. Just as a bystander inevitably notices a strong smell when approaching someone, a good person’s character should be apparent to others, revealing their nature without any conscious effort.
This imagery emphasizes the importance of authenticity in morality; true goodness cannot be hidden or faked. Instead, it should be...