A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches of…
“A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart; his next, to escape the censures of the world: if the last interferes with the former, it ought to be entirely neglected; but otherwise there cannot be a greater satisfaction to an honest mind, than to see those approbations which it gives itself seconded by the applauses of the public.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Prioritize inner approval over external praise; if public acclaim conflicts with personal conscience, ignore it.
In simple terms: Trust your own heart more than others’ opinions.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner integrity first.
Themes
integrity
selfreliance
public opinion
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- creative work
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you consider external feedback?
- How do you balance inner and outer expectations?
A Different Perspective
Public validation can still be valuable for growth.