Cautionary Quotes
Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.
"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace."— Alexander Pope
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Meaning of this quote
Repeated exposure to wrongdoing can gradually make it seem acceptable.
Key takeaway:
Question harmful conduct before familiarity becomes approval.
Origin of the quote
The Complete Poetical Works of Alexander Pope — PDF page 293.
Who actually said this?
VerifiedExact wording matched in the consulted text; case, punctuation, spacing and typographic differences were normalized. Read the poem’s speaker and satire in context.



























