The quote “Not to be, but to seem, virtuous – it is a formula whose utility we all discovered in the nursery” by C.S. Lewis explores the idea that people often present themselves as virtuous or morally upright not necessarily because they are, but because it’s beneficial for them to appear so. This concept is learned at an early age (the “nursery”) and becomes ingrained in our behavior.
The phrase ‘to seem virtuous’ implies a focus on external appearances rather than internal values. It suggests that society often rewards those who can effectively project an image of virtue, regardless of their true character or intentions. The ‘nursery’ metaphor suggests that this behavior is learned early and becomes a deeply ingrained part of our social conditioning.
In today’s world, this idea could be seen in many areas such as politics, business and social media where individuals or organizations may prioritize looking good over doing good. For instance, a company might engage in corporate philanthropy primarily for public relations benefits rather than out of genuine concern for societal issues.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to focus on cultivating genuine virtues rather than merely appearing virtuous. It encourages introspection and authenticity over superficiality. Authentic virtue involves aligning one’s actions with one’s values even when no one else is watching or when there’s no immediate benefit to oneself.
This perspective challenges us not just to perform acts of kindness when they’re likely to be noticed and rewarded but also when they’re unseen or thankless – not just ‘to seem’, but truly ‘to be’ virtuous.