Demean thyself more warily in thy study than in the…
“Demean thyself more warily in thy study than in the street. If thy public actions have a hundred witnesses, thy private have a thousand. The multitude looks but upon thy actions; thy conscience looks into them: the multitude may chance to excuse thee, if not acquit thee; thy conscience will accuse thee, if not condemn thee.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Private conscience should be scrutinized more than public actions, as inner truth is harder to hide.
In simple terms: Check your inner motives more than outward deeds.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal integrity.
Themes
ethics
self-awareness
conscience
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- public speaking
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
self-examination
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you align private thoughts with public behavior?
- Can conscience guide better than reputation?
A Different Perspective
Public scrutiny can mask inner flaws.