O good old man, how well in thee appears The constant…
“O good old man, how well in thee appears The constant service of the antique world, When service sweat for duty, not for meed! Thou art not for the fashion of these times, Where none will sweat but for promotion, And having that do choke their service up Even with the having. . . .”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques those who serve for personal gain rather than genuine duty, highlighting a loss of authentic service.
In simple terms: Serving for selfish reasons erodes true purpose.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize genuine duty over self‑interest.
Themes
integrity
service
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- workplace
- public service
- politics
- community leadership
Key Concepts
Moral decay
self‑interest
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your service remains authentic?
- What pressures tempt you toward self‑serving actions?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can undermine long‑term effectiveness.