Who would ever care to do brave deed, Or strive in virtue…
“Who would ever care to do brave deed, Or strive in virtue others to excel, If none should yield him his deserved meed Due praise, that is the spur of doing well? For if good were not praised more than ill, None would choose goodness of his own free will.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If good deeds go unpraised, people may lack motivation to act virtuously, relying on external rewards rather than intrinsic values.
In simple terms: Praise drives good actions.
Key Takeaway
Seek internal virtue beyond applause.
Themes
morality
motivation
recognition
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- workplace
- public service
- personal ethics
- null
Key Concepts
intrinsic vs extrinsic reward
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you act ethically when unnoticed?
- What internal rewards sustain your virtue?
A Different Perspective
Some act morally without praise, driven by conscience.