Honor is a public enemy, and conscience a domestic, and he…
“Honor is a public enemy, and conscience a domestic, and he that would secure his pleasure, must pay a tribute to one and go halves with t'other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Honor and conscience are portrayed as burdens; true pleasure requires compromising both and sharing the cost.
In simple terms: Honor and conscience hinder pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of integrity.
Themes
honor
conscience
pleasure
compromise
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
dramatic
literary
When to use this quote
- political negotiation
- personal relationships
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
Moral conflict
social expectation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is sacrificing honor ever justified?
- What price do you pay for pleasure?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize cynicism, ignoring virtue’s benefits.