Skip to content

Death Quote by Walter Scott

“The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.” quote by Walter Scott
Download Open image
““The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.””

Walter Scott

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Lady of the Lake, 1810

Self‑centered pride leads to a forgotten, unhonored death, lacking legacy.

In simple terms: Selfishness erases fame.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility.

Themes

pride legacy humility mortality

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal ambition
  • historical reflection
  • life planning

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What legacy do you seek?
  • How does pride affect your actions?
A Different Perspective

Humility alone may not guarantee remembrance.

4.9 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Walter Scott

Explore all 372 Walter Scott quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes