Common Quote by Daniel Patrick Moynihan
“It is perhaps common in the world for individuals and nations to suffer for their noble qualities more than for their ignoble ones. For nobility is an occasion for pride, the most treacherous of sentiments.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the National Urban League Conference, 1979
Noble traits often bring suffering because they invite envy and pride, which are dangerous emotions.
In simple terms: Nobility can cause pain due to pride and envy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility as a safeguard against pride.
Themes
pride
humility
noble traits
envy
suffering
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public service
- personal development
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance pride in achievement with humility?
- When have noble qualities led to unexpected hardship?
A Different Perspective
Pride can also motivate positive action, not only cause harm.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
