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Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man…

“Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man cannot keep up dignity. In gluttony there must be eating, in drunkenness there must be drinking; 'tis not the eating, and 'tis not the drinking that must be blamed, but the excess. So in pride.” quote by John Selden
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“Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man cannot keep up dignity. In gluttony there must be eating, in drunkenness there must be drinking; 'tis not the eating, and 'tis not the drinking that must be blamed, but the excess. So in pride.”

John Selden

About This Quote

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

Excess in any behavior, including pride, leads to loss of dignity; moderation preserves honor.

In simple terms: Excess destroys dignity; moderation protects it.

Key Takeaway

Practice moderation to maintain dignity.

Themes

moderation pride dignity excess selfcontrol

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • public speaking
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

virtue ethics human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What areas of your life might benefit from more moderation?
  • How does pride affect your sense of dignity?
A Different Perspective

Excess can be hard to recognize when socially reinforced.

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