Conscience Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“The shortest way to arrive at glory should be to do that for conscience which we do for glory. And the virtue of Alexander appears to me with much less vigor in his theater than that of Socrates in his mean and obscure. I can easily conceive Socrates in the place of Alexander, but Alexander in that of Socrates I cannot.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Vanity of Learning, 1580
True virtue lies in conscience, not in seeking glory; Socrates embodies modest wisdom, unlike Alexander’s grandiose ambition.
In simple terms: Virtue is conscience, not glory; Socrates is modest.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize conscience over fame.
Themes
virtue
humility
philosophy
historical comparison
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- education
- public service
Key Concepts
moral integrity
self‑knowledge
Questions to Reflect On
- What does conscience demand of you?
- How does fame affect ethical choices?
A Different Perspective
Glory‑seeking can corrupt genuine moral purpose.
