Birth Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“High birth is a gift of fortune which should never challenge esteem towards those who receive it, since it costs them neither study nor labor.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Les Caractères, 1688
Privilege without effort can breed arrogance and disregard for merit, undermining respect for the fortunate.
In simple terms: Unearned privilege can erode respect.
Key Takeaway
Recognize effort over birthright.
Themes
humility
merit
social responsibility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- workplace
- family dynamics
- public policy
Key Concepts
ethics
class
inequality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does unearned advantage affect interpersonal trust?
- Can society value merit over birth?
A Different Perspective
Privilege may be inherited but respect must be earned.
![“You are a principal work, a fragment of [Goddess herself], you have in yourself a part of [her]. Why then are you ignorant of your high birth?” quote by Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f01/epictetus-413_birth_you-are-a-principal-work-a-fragment-of-g_793267.jpg)
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
