King Quote by Jonathan Swift
““Of so little weight are the greatest services to princes, when put into the balance with a refusal to gratify their passions.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “A Modest Proposal”, 1729
Minor services that deny a ruler's desires can be more valuable than grand gestures.
In simple terms: Small acts can outweigh grand ones when they resist selfishness.
Value modest, principled actions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political activism
- charitable work
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you resist selfish demands?
- When have modest actions changed outcomes?
Small acts may be overlooked.