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Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, of our…

“Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, of our actions; and although it happen not to attend the worthy deed, yet it is by no means the less fair for having missed the applause it deserved.” quote by Pliny the Younger
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““Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive, of our actions; and although it happen not to attend the worthy deed, yet it is by no means the less fair for having missed the applause it deserved.””

Pliny the Younger

About This Quote

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

Glory should follow virtue, not drive it; lack of applause does not diminish the deed’s worth.

In simple terms: Glory follows good deeds, not the other way.

Key Takeaway

Seek virtue, not applause.

Themes

virtue recognition integrity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public service
  • personal achievement
  • artistic creation
  • leadership

Key Concepts

Roman philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you act for praise or principle?
  • How does external validation affect your motivation?
A Different Perspective

Even without praise, the act remains noble.

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