Consequence Quote by Lord Chesterfield
“The greatest dangers have their allurements, if the want of success is likely to be attended with a degree of glory. Middling dangers are horrid, when the loss of reputation is the inevitable consequence of ill success.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letters to His Son, 1748
Great risks can be tempting because success brings fame, but moderate risks can be damaging when failure harms reputation.
In simple terms: Big risks may bring glory; moderate risks can ruin reputation.
Weigh risk versus reward carefully.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- investment choices
- public speaking
- entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the potential fame worth the possible damage to your name?
- How do you balance ambition with integrity?
Success may not always justify the risk; reputation loss can be severe.