--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They envy the distinction I have won; let…" description: "\"They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.\" — Sallust" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg" --- # They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore… ![“They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.” quote by Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg) > “They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.” [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker invites envy for his hard work, honesty, and methods, suggesting merit over mere status. **In simple terms:** Earn respect through effort and integrity. Key Takeaway Value honest effort over titles. Themes integrity effort recognition Mood proud determined Type ethical motivational When to use this quote - career advancement - academic achievement - public service - entrepreneurship Key Concepts Roman politics personal virtue Questions to Reflect On - How do you demonstrate integrity in competition? - What methods reflect your true values? A Different Perspective Envy may arise from jealousy, not merit. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Distinction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction/) [Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy/) [Envy Distinction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy-distinction-4483274/) [Envy Toils](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy-toils-4483275/) [Honesty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honesty/) [Let Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-envy-1599990/) [Toils Honesty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/toils-honesty-4483276/) ## Related quotes > [Let us not envy some men their accumulated riches; their burden would be too heavy for us; we could not sacrifice, as they do,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-bruyere/let-us-not-envy-some-men-their-accumulated-riches-their-burden-would/) [Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-bruyere/) > [“Poetry destroyed? Genius banished? No! Mediocrity, no: do not let envy prompt you to the thought. No; they not only live, but reign, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlotte-bronte/poetry-destroyed-genius-banished-no-mediocrity-no-do-not-let-envy/) [Charlotte Brontë](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-bronte/) > [Let us not envy a certain class of men for their enormous riches; they have paid such an equivalent for them that it would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-bruyere/let-us-not-envy-a-certain-class-of-men-for-their-enormous-riches-they/) [Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-bruyere/) > [Let others either envy or pity me; I care not, so long as I enjoy myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-hall/let-others-either-envy-or-pity-me-i-care-not-so-long-as-i-enjoy-myself/) [Joseph Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-hall/) > [In proportion to the love existing among men, so will be the community of property and power. Among true and real friends, all is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/in-proportion-to-the-love-existing-among-men-so-will-be-the-community/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Alfred Nobel stipulated that no distinction of race or colour will determine who received of his generosity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abdus-salam/alfred-nobel-stipulated-that-no-distinction-of-race-or-colour-will/) [Abdus Salam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abdus-salam/) > [I realized early on that the academy and the literary world alike - and I don't think there really is a distinction between the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-bloom/i-realized-early-on-that-the-academy-and-the-literary-world-alike-and/) [Harold Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-bloom/) > [No people is wholly civilized where a distinction is drawn between stealing an office and stealing a purse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-roosevelt/no-people-is-wholly-civilized-where-a-distinction-is-drawn-between/) [Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/) > [Where did you find that one?" "I have no idea. I'm a magnet for crazies, I guess." "They must be able to sense a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiersten-white/where-did-you-find-that-one-i-have-no-idea-i-m-a-magnet-for-crazies-i/) [Kiersten White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiersten-white/) > [I make no distinction between writing and storytelling; I've always wanted to tell stories.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/damon-lindelof/i-make-no-distinction-between-writing-and-storytelling-i-ve-always/) [Damon Lindelof](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/damon-lindelof/) > [“In your goals to go the extra mile, prepare to pay an extra cost. Excellence is to be exceptional, surpassing, more competent and a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/in-your-goals-to-go-the-extra-mile-prepare-to-pay-an-extra-cost/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [If I have a system it is limited to a recognition of what Kierkegaard called 'the infinite qualitative distinction' between time and eternity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-barth/if-i-have-a-system-it-is-limited-to-a-recognition-of-what-kierkegaard/) [Karl Barth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-barth/) > [Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/each-man-is-capable-of-doing-one-thing-well-if-he-attempts-several-he/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [The fact -- not theory -- that evolution has occurred and the Darwinian theory as to how it occurred have become so confused in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gaylord-simpson/the-fact-not-theory-that-evolution-has-occurred-and-the-darwinian/) [George Gaylord Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gaylord-simpson/) > [I do think that theater is a great venue for science fiction, and not just adaptations but also original work. I also think some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-einhorn/i-do-think-that-theater-is-a-great-venue-for-science-fiction-and-not/) [Edward Einhorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-einhorn/) ## More by Sallust > [It is impossible that there should be so much providence in the last details, and none in the first principles. Then the arts of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/it-is-impossible-that-there-should-be-so-much-providence-in-the-last/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/as-the-blessings-of-health-and-fortune-have-a-beginning-so-they-must/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [Everything that rises sets, and everything that grows, grows old.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/everything-that-rises-sets-and-everything-that-grows-grows-old/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [Fame is the shadow of passion standing in the light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/fame-is-the-shadow-of-passion-standing-in-the-light/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [The Romans assisted their allies and friends, and acquired friendships by giving rather than receiving kindness. \[Lat., Sociis atque amicis auxilia portabant Romani, magisque…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/the-romans-assisted-their-allies-and-friends-and-acquired-friendships/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [A good man prefers to suffer rather than overcome injustice with evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/a-good-man-prefers-to-suffer-rather-than-overcome-injustice-with-evil/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [It is not unlikely, too, that the rejection of God is a kind of punishment: we may well believe that those who knew the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/it-is-not-unlikely-too-that-the-rejection-of-god-is-a-kind-of/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [It is not only spirits who punish the evil, the soul brings itself to judgment: and also it is not right for those who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/it-is-not-only-spirits-who-punish-the-evil-the-soul-brings-itself-to/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [To hope for safety in flight, when you have turned away from the enemy the arms by which the body is defended, is indeed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/to-hope-for-safety-in-flight-when-you-have-turned-away-from-the-enemy/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [By the wicked the good conduct of others is always dreaded.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/by-the-wicked-the-good-conduct-of-others-is-always-dreaded/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [By union the smallest states thrive. By discord the greatest are destroyed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/by-union-the-smallest-states-thrive-by-discord-the-greatest-are/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/ambition-drove-many-men-to-become-false-to-have-one-thought-locked-in/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [The soul is the captain and ruler of the life of morals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/the-soul-is-the-captain-and-ruler-of-the-life-of-morals/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [Not by vows nor by womanish prayers is the help of the gods obtained; success comes through vigilance, energy, wise counsel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/not-by-vows-nor-by-womanish-prayers-is-the-help-of-the-gods-obtained/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) > [ Enough words, little wisdom. \[Lat., Satis eloquentiae sapientiae parum.\] ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/enough-words-little-wisdom-lat-satis-eloquentiae-sapientiae-parum/) [Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) [Explore all 115 Sallust quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/) ## More Distinction quotes > [I do think that theater is a great venue for science fiction, and not just adaptations but also original work. I also think some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-einhorn/i-do-think-that-theater-is-a-great-venue-for-science-fiction-and-not/) [Edward Einhorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-einhorn/) > [The fact -- not theory -- that evolution has occurred and the Darwinian theory as to how it occurred have become so confused in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gaylord-simpson/the-fact-not-theory-that-evolution-has-occurred-and-the-darwinian/) [George Gaylord Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gaylord-simpson/) > [Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/each-man-is-capable-of-doing-one-thing-well-if-he-attempts-several-he/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [If I have a system it is limited to a recognition of what Kierkegaard called 'the infinite qualitative distinction' between time and eternity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-barth/if-i-have-a-system-it-is-limited-to-a-recognition-of-what-kierkegaard/) [Karl Barth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-barth/) > [“In your goals to go the extra mile, prepare to pay an extra cost. Excellence is to be exceptional, surpassing, more competent and a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/in-your-goals-to-go-the-extra-mile-prepare-to-pay-an-extra-cost/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [I make no distinction between writing and storytelling; I've always wanted to tell stories.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/damon-lindelof/i-make-no-distinction-between-writing-and-storytelling-i-ve-always/) [Damon Lindelof](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/damon-lindelof/) > [Where did you find that one?" "I have no idea. I'm a magnet for crazies, I guess." "They must be able to sense a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiersten-white/where-did-you-find-that-one-i-have-no-idea-i-m-a-magnet-for-crazies-i/) [Kiersten White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiersten-white/) > [No people is wholly civilized where a distinction is drawn between stealing an office and stealing a purse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-roosevelt/no-people-is-wholly-civilized-where-a-distinction-is-drawn-between/) [Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/) > [I realized early on that the academy and the literary world alike - and I don't think there really is a distinction between the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-bloom/i-realized-early-on-that-the-academy-and-the-literary-world-alike-and/) [Harold Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-bloom/) > [Alfred Nobel stipulated that no distinction of race or colour will determine who received of his generosity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abdus-salam/alfred-nobel-stipulated-that-no-distinction-of-race-or-colour-will/) [Abdus Salam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abdus-salam/) > [I think it is important for all those young out there - who someday hope to play real football, where you throw it and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-kemp/i-think-it-is-important-for-all-those-young-out-there-who-someday/) [Jack Kemp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kemp/) > [I've always longed for the theatre and acting to be popular. No actor wants to play to an empty house. We only do it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/i-ve-always-longed-for-the-theatre-and-acting-to-be-popular-no-actor/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [There is no moral distinction between petty thievery and 'from each according to ability, to each according to need.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-read/there-is-no-moral-distinction-between-petty-thievery-and-from-each/) [Leonard Read](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonard-read/) > [People always make this totally artificial distinction between what is commercial and what is good. They quote that maxim "Nobody ever lost money underestimating…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-adams/people-always-make-this-totally-artificial-distinction-between-what/) [Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-adams/) > [People should make distinctions between the office of the presidency and the person who occupies it. You can respect the office even as you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-greenberg/people-should-make-distinctions-between-the-office-of-the-presidency/) [David Greenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-greenberg/) [Browse all 1,181 Distinction quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sallust" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let-them-therefore-envy-my-toils/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Distinction" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let-them-therefore-envy-my-toils/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2cf/sallust-4191_distinction_they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let_2144915.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by…” — Sallust", "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": "Sallust", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sallust/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "They envy the distinction I have...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let-them-therefore-envy-my-toils/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sallust/they-envy-the-distinction-i-have-won-let-them-therefore-envy-my-toils/#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 } } ] } ```