Meaning: The quote "Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt" by Felix Adler, an educator and social reformer, speaks to the fundamental connection between personal morality and the integrity of public institutions. In essence, Adler is highlighting the inherent link between individual ethical behavior and the overall moral fabric of society. This quote underscores the idea that the ethical foundation of a community is dependent on the moral character and conduct of its members.

At its core, the quote emphasizes the concept that personal virtues, or lack thereof, have a direct impact on the broader ethical climate of a community or society. The "roots of private virtue" allude to the underlying moral principles and values that guide individual behavior. When these foundational virtues are "diseased," or compromised, they are unable to support the growth of "public probity," or integrity in the public sphere. In other words, a society cannot maintain ethical standards and integrity in its public institutions if the individuals within that society lack personal integrity and moral rectitude.

Felix Adler's background as an educator and social reformer provides context for this quote, as he was deeply involved in promoting ethical education and social justice. As the founder of the Ethical Culture movement, Adler dedicated his life to advocating for ethical living and social responsibility. His work focused on the importance of instilling moral values and ethical principles in individuals, with the belief that a morally upright society is built upon the collective integrity of its members.

The quote also implies that the quality of public institutions, such as government, education, and business, is directly influenced by the ethical foundation of the individuals who comprise those institutions. If the "roots" of personal virtue, representing the moral and ethical character of individuals, are compromised, it follows that the "fruit" of public probity, or the ethical conduct of public institutions, will inevitably be tainted by the same moral decay.

Adler's quote serves as a reminder that personal ethics and public integrity are interconnected, and that the ethical health of a society is contingent upon the ethical conduct of its citizens. It underscores the idea that a society cannot expect to uphold high ethical standards in its public affairs if the private lives and actions of its members are devoid of moral integrity.

In summary, Felix Adler's quote "Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt" encapsulates the profound relationship between personal morality and the ethical fabric of society. It highlights the critical role of individual ethical behavior in shaping the integrity and moral standing of public institutions. This quote serves as a poignant reflection on the importance of upholding personal virtue as a cornerstone of a just and principled society.