Character Quote by Francis Quarles
“If thou desire to purchase honor with thy wealth, consider first how that wealth became thine; if thy labor got it, let thy wisdom keep it; if oppression found it, let repentance restore it; if thy parent left it, let thy virtues deserve it; so shall thy honor be safer, better and cheaper.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Moralities, 1621
Honor earned through honest effort is more valuable than that bought with ill-gotten wealth.
In simple terms: Earn honor by right work, not by buying it.
Key Takeaway
Work honestly, keep honor.
Themes
ethics
honor
wealth
labor
repentance
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- inheritance disputes
- personal reputation management
- career advancement
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your success aligns with your values?
- What steps can you take to rectify past unethical gains?
A Different Perspective
If wealth is obtained unethically, honor may still be compromised despite repentance.
