Cleanliness Quote by Francis Bacon
“I'll follow, as they say, for reward. He that rewards me, God reward him. If I do grow great, I'll grow less; for I'll purge, and leave sack, and live cleanly, as a nobleman should do.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Moral and Political, 1625
The speaker suggests that rewarding others for good deeds encourages virtue, and that true greatness comes from humility and self‑purification.
In simple terms: Reward good, stay humble, be pure.
Key Takeaway
Seek virtue, not fame.
Themes
humility
virtue
reward
self‑purification
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- community service
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
ethical reciprocity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reward others without expecting return?
- What does “live cleanly” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Greatness can be corrupted by ego and external validation.
