Depends Quote by Horace Walpole
“How much on outward show does all depend, If virtues from within no lustre lend! Strip off th'externals M and Y, the rest Proves Majesty itself is but a Jest.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Art of Poetry, 1765
External appearances are fleeting; true worth lies within, making outward show seem foolish.
In simple terms: Inner virtue matters more than outward show.
Key Takeaway
Focus on inner character over appearances.
Themes
virtue
appearance
inner worth
vanity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- self‑image
- social media
Key Concepts
philosophy
self‑esteem
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner qualities define true majesty?
- How can we balance inner worth with necessary outward presentation?
A Different Perspective
Neglects the impact of external perception.
![“[King René of Anjou (1409-80)] would not listen to the news of his son having lost the Kingdom of Naples, because he would not bedisturbed when painting a picture of a partridge.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cdf/horace-walpole-3357_kingdoms_king-ren-of-anjou-1409-80-would-not-list_2127479.jpg)
![“When the Prince of Wales [later King George IV] and the Duke of York went to visit their brother Prince William [later William IV]at Plymouth, and all three being very loose in their manners, and coarse in their language, Prince William said to his ship's crew, "now I hope you see that I am not…” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/667/horace-walpole-3357_brother_when-the-prince-of-wales-later-king-geor_1485613.jpg)
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
