Acquire Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Modesty is that feeling by which honorable shame acquires a valuable and lasting authority.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: De Officiis by Cicero, 44 BC
Honorable shame, when modesty is present, gives lasting moral authority.
In simple terms: Modesty gives shame a lasting moral power.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility to strengthen character.
Themes
humility
honor
authority
ethics
Mood
reflective
respectful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral psychology
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility influence moral decisions?
- When is modesty insufficient for ethical leadership?
A Different Perspective
Modesty alone may not protect against systemic injustice.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
