What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Perform good deeds quietly and without seeking recognition or fame.
This quote by Alexander Pope emphasizes the value of humility and the virtue of doing good without the expectation of reward or acknowledgment. It suggests that true goodness lies in the act itself rather than in the recognition that may follow; one should be modest about their charitable actions and avoid seeking glory for their benevolence.
Themes
GoodnessHumilityCharitySelflessnessRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about community service, one could say, 'As Alexander Pope wisely noted, we should do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.'
More from Alexander Pope
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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New, distant Scenes of endless Science rise: So pleas'd at first, the towring Alps we try.
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