Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to…
“Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to encourage boldness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Balance authority with kindness; avoid extremes that cause fear or overconfidence.
In simple terms: Too strict scares; too lenient encourages boldness.
Find a middle ground.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- management
- education
- team leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you gauge the right level of firmness?
- When does kindness become permissiveness?
Excessive leniency can erode respect.