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Christianity Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson

“To be honest, to be kind - to earn a little and to spend a little less, to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence, to renounce when that shall be necessary and not be embittered, to keep a few friends but these without capitulation - above all, on the same grim condition, to keep…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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““To be honest, to be kind - to earn a little and to spend a little less, to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence, to renounce when that shall be necessary and not be embittered, to keep a few friends but these without capitulation - above all, on the same grim condition, to keep friends with himself - here is a task for all that a man has of fortitude and delicacy. He has an ambitious soul who would ask more; he has a hopeful spirit who should look in such an enterprise to be successful.””

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

Source Book: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1883

The passage urges balancing honesty, kindness, modesty, and self‑respect while maintaining friendships and inner strength despite hardships.

In simple terms: Be honest, kind, modest, and keep self‑respect.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate integrity and self‑care.

Themes

integrity friendship self‑respect moderation resilience

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

advice philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career challenges
  • financial decisions
  • family life
  • personal setbacks

Key Concepts

moral philosophy personal growth social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you practice self‑respect when faced with adversity?
  • What limits does society place on modest living?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook systemic barriers that limit individual agency.

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