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Never hope to conceal any shameful thing which you have…

“Never hope to conceal any shameful thing which you have done; for even if you do conceal it from others, your own heart will know. … Pursue the enjoyments which are of good repute; for pleasure attended by honor is the best thing in the world, but pleasure without honor is the worst.” quote by Isocrates
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“Never hope to conceal any shameful thing which you have done; for even if you do conceal it from others, your own heart will know. … Pursue the enjoyments which are of good repute; for pleasure attended by honor is the best thing in the world, but pleasure without honor is the worst.”

Isocrates

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Concealing wrongdoing harms the soul; honor‑based pleasure is superior to shameful indulgence.

In simple terms: Honest joy is better than hidden guilt.

Key Takeaway

Seek honor in enjoyment.

Themes

ethics honor self‑reflection

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career choices
  • leisure activities

Key Concepts

virtue ethics psychology of guilt

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pleasures bring you pride?
  • Can honor be subjective?
A Different Perspective

Societal pressure may blur honor definitions.

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