Acquire Quote by Vincent de Paul
![“[W]ork at ridding yourself of the esteem you have had up to now for the glitter and sparkle of virtue and the vain applause of the world, which Our Lord so assiduously avoided and so often recommends us to shun, and that you labor in earnest to acquire true and solid virtues.” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2b/vincent-de-paul-1676_acquire_w-ork-at-ridding-yourself-of-the-esteem_3198020.jpg)
“[W]ork at ridding yourself of the esteem you have had up to now for the glitter and sparkle of virtue and the vain applause of the world, which Our Lord so assiduously avoided and so often recommends us to shun, and that you labor in earnest to acquire true and solid virtues.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Spiritual guidance by Vincent de Paul, 17th century
True virtue comes from humility and inner moral strength, not from seeking public praise.
In simple terms: Cultivate inner virtue, avoid worldly applause.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic character over external validation.
Themes
humility
virtue
spirituality
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- leadership
- community service
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self‑improvement
renunciation
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you practice privately?
- How can you resist the desire for external approval?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure may tempt one to display virtue superficially.
![“. . . . [P]ersons who love very much, easily take offense at trifles. No doubt your excessive affection for me makes you a little diffident about mine. But there is no harm done; I hope you will soon be over this slight jealousy and be convinced that nothing can change the genuine affection Our…” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/570/vincent-de-paul-1676_affection_p-ersons-who-love-very-much-easily-take_52639.jpg)
![“[I]f the gentleness of your spirit needs a dash of vinegar, borrow a little from Our Lord's spirit. O Mademoiselle, how well He knew how to find a bittersweet remark when it is needed!” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/546/vincent-de-paul-1676_bittersweet_i-f-the-gentleness-of-your-spirit-needs_81360.jpg)
![“[I]t is the maxim of the saints that when a matter has been decided in the presence of God after many prayers and the seeking of advice, we must reject and consider as a temptation whatever is suggested to the contrary.” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4eb/vincent-de-paul-1676_advice_i-t-is-the-maxim-of-the-saints-that-when_202890.jpg)
![“. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d4/vincent-de-paul-1676_evil_t-hese-ideas-are-only-suggestions-of-the_237589.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)
