If that thy fame with ev'ry toy be pos'd, 'Tis a thin web…
“If that thy fame with ev'ry toy be pos'd, 'Tis a thin web, which poysonous fancies make; But the great souldier's honour was compos'd Of thicker stuf, which would endure a shake. Wisdom picks friends; civility plays the rest; A toy shunn'd cleanly passeth with the best.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fame built on fleeting pleasures is fragile, whereas honor forged through steadfast virtues endures; wisdom and civility shape lasting relationships.
In simple terms: Fame is fragile, honor endures through virtue.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate enduring virtues over fleeting fame.
Themes
fame
honor
virtue
wisdom
civility
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- personal relationships
- public life
Key Concepts
character building
social bonds
reputation management
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting values guide your actions?
- How do you balance ambition with integrity?
A Different Perspective
Fame can be meaningful if aligned with deeper values.