The more tickets you have in a lottery, the worse your chance. And it is the same of virtues, in the lottery of life

The more tickets you have in a lottery, the worse your chance. And it is the same of virtues, in the lottery of life

In the world of gambling, it is a well-known fact that the more tickets you have in a lottery, the worse your chances of winning become. This concept can also be applied to the virtues we possess in the lottery of life. The more virtues we possess, the more difficult it can be to navigate the complexities of life and make the right choices.

In the context of Laurence Sterne, a renowned English novelist and clergyman, this idea can be seen in his most famous work, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman." In this novel, Sterne explores the complexities of human nature and the challenges of living a virtuous life in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Sterne's protagonist, Tristram Shandy, is a man who possesses many virtues, such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. However, these virtues often lead him into difficult situations and cause him to struggle with the moral dilemmas he faces. In a sense, Tristram's virtues become his downfall, as they make it harder for him to navigate the challenges of life and make the right decisions.

Similarly, in our own lives, the virtues we possess can sometimes work against us. For example, someone who is extremely honest may find it difficult to navigate a world filled with deception and deceit. Likewise, someone who is overly compassionate may struggle to set boundaries and protect themselves from harm.