Doe Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“The favor of princes does not preclude the existence of merit, and yet does not prove that it exists. [Fr., La faveur des princes n'exclut pas le merite, et ne le suppose pas aussi.]”
About This Quote
Source Essay: La faveur des princes, 1685
Patronage does not guarantee merit, nor does it confirm merit's existence.
In simple terms: Favor from leaders isn’t proof of worth.
Judge merit independently of favor.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- academic recognition
- political appointments
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine merit from influence?
- What systems ensure fair assessment?
Favor can obscure true ability.