if to please the people,we offer what we ourselves…
““if to please the people,we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The rest is in the hands of God.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Compromising personal values to please others erodes integrity and makes later defense impossible; uphold standards that honest people can support.
In simple terms: People should not betray their principles for approval.
Key Takeaway
Maintain integrity over approval.
Themes
integrity
leadership
principles
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal decisions
- public speaking
- policy making
Key Concepts
ethical standards
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance public expectations with personal convictions?
- What standards can you set to stay true to yourself?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may be necessary in politics, but it risks credibility.