--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As those that pull down private houses…" description: "\"As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the temples of the gods, prop up such parts as are contiguous to them; so, in undermining bashfulne..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg" --- # As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the… ![“As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the temples of the gods, prop up such parts as are contiguous to them; so, in undermining bashfulness, due regard is to be had to adjacent modesty, good-nature and humanity.” quote by Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg) > “As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the temples of the gods, prop up such parts as are contiguous to them; so, in undermining bashfulness, due regard is to be had to adjacent modesty, good-nature and humanity.” [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When we weaken one virtue, we must protect neighboring virtues like modesty and kindness to prevent moral decay. **In simple terms:** Protect related virtues when one is compromised. Key Takeaway Guard the whole moral character. Themes virtue modesty humanity morality Mood thoughtful instructive Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - leadership - education - community building - personal development - conflict resolution Key Concepts ethical philosophy character building Questions to Reflect On - Which virtues support each other in your life? - How do you maintain balance among moral qualities? A Different Perspective Neglecting adjacent virtues can erode overall character. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bashfulness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bashfulness/) [Good nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-nature/) [Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity/) [Modesty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modesty/) [Temples](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/temples/) ## Related quotes > [Mere bashfulness without merit is awkward; and merit without modesty, insolent. But modest merit has a double claim to acceptance, and generally meets with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/mere-bashfulness-without-merit-is-awkward-and-merit-without-modesty/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Bashfulness is more frequently connected with good sense than we find assurance; and impudence, on the other hand, is often the mere effect of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shenstone/bashfulness-is-more-frequently-connected-with-good-sense-than-we-find/) [William Shenstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shenstone/) > [“ Bashfulnesse Of all our parts, the eyes expresse The sweetest kind of bashfulnesse. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-herrick/bashfulnesse-of-all-our-parts-the-eyes-expresse-the-sweetest-kind-of/) [Robert Herrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-herrick/) > [Mere bashfulness without merit is awkwardness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/mere-bashfulness-without-merit-is-awkwardness/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Perhaps a maiden's bashfulness is more A matron's lesson than our lips aver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-austin/perhaps-a-maiden-s-bashfulness-is-more-a-matron-s-lesson-than-our/) [Alfred Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-austin/) > [There are two distinct sorts of what we call bashfulness; this, the awkwardness of a booby, which a few steps into the world will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-mackenzie/there-are-two-distinct-sorts-of-what-we-call-bashfulness-this-the/) [Henry Mackenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-mackenzie/) > [No cause more frequently produces bashfulness than too high an opinion of our own importance. He that imagines an assembly filled with his merit,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/no-cause-more-frequently-produces-bashfulness-than-too-high-an/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [“If we all knew that we were all perverts, we might be a lot happier.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-o-neill/if-we-all-knew-that-we-were-all-perverts-we-might-be-a-lot-happier/) [Heather O'Neill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heather-o-neill/) > [Women who are the least bashful are not unfrequently the most modest; and we are never more deceived than when we would infer any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/women-who-are-the-least-bashful-are-not-unfrequently-the-most-modest/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) > [As to the human race. There are many pretty and winning things about the human race. It is perhaps the poorest of all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/as-to-the-human-race-there-are-many-pretty-and-winning-things-about/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [Bashfulness is an ornament to youth, but a reproach to old age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/bashfulness-is-an-ornament-to-youth-but-a-reproach-to-old-age/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [I am not likely to die of bashfulness but neither am I prepared to be crucified to attest the perfection of my art. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-joyce/i-am-not-likely-to-die-of-bashfulness-but-neither-am-i-prepared-to-be/) [James Joyce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-joyce/) > [He, full of bashfulness and truth, loved much, hoped little, and desired naught.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/torquato-tasso/he-full-of-bashfulness-and-truth-loved-much-hoped-little-and-desired/) [Torquato Tasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/torquato-tasso/) > [Not that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-cavendish/not-that-i-am-ashamed-of-my-mind-or-body-my-birth-or-breeding-my/) [Margaret Cavendish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-cavendish/) > [“Nothing is as irritating to a shy man as a confident girl.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/nothing-is-as-irritating-to-a-shy-man-as-a-confident-girl/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) ## More by Plutarch > [When Eudæmonidas heard a philosopher arguing that only a wise man can be a good general, "This is a wonderful speech," said he; "but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/when-eud-monidas-heard-a-philosopher-arguing-that-only-a-wise-man-can/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/the-generous-mind-adds-dignity-to-every-act-and-nothing-misbecomes-it/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Painting is silent poetry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/painting-is-silent-poetry/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/king-agis-said-the-laced-monians-are-not-wont-to-ask-how-many-but/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Alexander wept when he heard from Anaxarchus that there was an infinite number of worlds; and his friends asking him if any accident had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/alexander-wept-when-he-heard-from-anaxarchus-that-there-was-an/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Proper listening is the foundation of proper living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/proper-listening-is-the-foundation-of-proper-living/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/painting-is-silent-poetry-and-poetry-is-painting-that-speaks/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/speech-is-like-cloth-of-arras-opened-and-put-abroad-whereby-the/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [There were two brothers called Both and Either; perceiving Either was a good, understanding, busy fellow, and Both a silly fellow and good for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/there-were-two-brothers-called-both-and-either-perceiving-either-was/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Why does pouring Oil on the Sea make it Clear and Calm? Is it that the winds, slipping the smooth oil, have no force,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/why-does-pouring-oil-on-the-sea-make-it-clear-and-calm-is-it-that-the/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [This excerpt is presented as reproduced by Copernicus in the preface to De Revolutionibus: "Some think that the earth remains at rest. But Philolaus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/this-excerpt-is-presented-as-reproduced-by-copernicus-in-the-preface/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/it-is-part-of-a-good-man-to-do-great-and-noble-deeds-though-he-risk/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [I am whatever was, or is, or will be; and my veil no mortal ever took up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/i-am-whatever-was-or-is-or-will-be-and-my-veil-no-mortal-ever-took-up/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [The pilot cannot mitigate the billows or calm the winds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/the-pilot-cannot-mitigate-the-billows-or-calm-the-winds/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [“In Springtime, O Dionysos, To thy holy temple come, To Elis with thy Graces, Rushing with thy bull-foot, come, Noble Bull, Noble Bull”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/in-springtime-o-dionysos-to-thy-holy-temple-come-to-elis-with-thy/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) [Explore all 451 Plutarch quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) ## More Bashfulness quotes > [Mere bashfulness without merit is awkward; and merit without modesty, insolent. But modest merit has a double claim to acceptance, and generally meets with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/mere-bashfulness-without-merit-is-awkward-and-merit-without-modesty/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Not that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-cavendish/not-that-i-am-ashamed-of-my-mind-or-body-my-birth-or-breeding-my/) [Margaret Cavendish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-cavendish/) > [He, full of bashfulness and truth, loved much, hoped little, and desired naught.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/torquato-tasso/he-full-of-bashfulness-and-truth-loved-much-hoped-little-and-desired/) [Torquato Tasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/torquato-tasso/) > [I am not likely to die of bashfulness but neither am I prepared to be crucified to attest the perfection of my art. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-joyce/i-am-not-likely-to-die-of-bashfulness-but-neither-am-i-prepared-to-be/) [James Joyce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-joyce/) > [Bashfulness is an ornament to youth, but a reproach to old age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/bashfulness-is-an-ornament-to-youth-but-a-reproach-to-old-age/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [As to the human race. There are many pretty and winning things about the human race. It is perhaps the poorest of all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/as-to-the-human-race-there-are-many-pretty-and-winning-things-about/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [Women who are the least bashful are not unfrequently the most modest; and we are never more deceived than when we would infer any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/women-who-are-the-least-bashful-are-not-unfrequently-the-most-modest/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) > [“If we all knew that we were all perverts, we might be a lot happier.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-o-neill/if-we-all-knew-that-we-were-all-perverts-we-might-be-a-lot-happier/) [Heather O'Neill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heather-o-neill/) > [No cause more frequently produces bashfulness than too high an opinion of our own importance. He that imagines an assembly filled with his merit,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/no-cause-more-frequently-produces-bashfulness-than-too-high-an/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [There are two distinct sorts of what we call bashfulness; this, the awkwardness of a booby, which a few steps into the world will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-mackenzie/there-are-two-distinct-sorts-of-what-we-call-bashfulness-this-the/) [Henry Mackenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-mackenzie/) > [Perhaps a maiden's bashfulness is more A matron's lesson than our lips aver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-austin/perhaps-a-maiden-s-bashfulness-is-more-a-matron-s-lesson-than-our/) [Alfred Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-austin/) > [Mere bashfulness without merit is awkwardness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/mere-bashfulness-without-merit-is-awkwardness/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [“ Bashfulnesse Of all our parts, the eyes expresse The sweetest kind of bashfulnesse. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-herrick/bashfulnesse-of-all-our-parts-the-eyes-expresse-the-sweetest-kind-of/) [Robert Herrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-herrick/) > [Bashfulness is more frequently connected with good sense than we find assurance; and impudence, on the other hand, is often the mere effect of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shenstone/bashfulness-is-more-frequently-connected-with-good-sense-than-we-find/) [William Shenstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shenstone/) > [“Nothing is as irritating to a shy man as a confident girl.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/nothing-is-as-irritating-to-a-shy-man-as-a-confident-girl/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) [Browse all 24 Bashfulness quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bashfulness/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the temples of the gods, prop up such parts as are contiguous to them; so, in undermining bashfulness, due regard is to be had to adjacent modesty, good-nature and humanity.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Plutarch" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-adjoining-to-the-temples-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bashfulness" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-adjoining-to-the-temples-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d7b/plutarch-597_bashfulness_as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-a_2363090.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“As those that pull down private houses adjoining to the temples of the gods, prop up such parts as are…” — Plutarch", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Plutarch", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "As those that pull down private...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-adjoining-to-the-temples-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/as-those-that-pull-down-private-houses-adjoining-to-the-temples-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```