Some men think the Earth is round, others think it flat; it is a matter capable of question. But, if it is flat, will the King's command make it round? And, if it is round, will the King's command flatten it?
Robert BoltRead
When a man takes an oath... he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A person's integrity is reflected in their promises, demonstrating self-control and responsibility.
This quote emphasizes the idea that when an individual takes an oath, they are not just making a verbal commitment, but are also taking full responsibility for their actions and integrity. The metaphor of holding oneself like water suggests that one's commitments can be fragile and require careful management, as one's character and reputation depend on the sincerity of their promises.
Themes
OathIntegritySelf-ControlResponsibilityCommitment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about personal integrity during a leadership seminar.
More from Robert Bolt
All quotes βThomas More: ...And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned around on you--where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country's planted thick with laws from coast to coast--man's laws, not God's--and if you cut them down...d'you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake.
Robert BoltRead
If we lived in a State where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us good, and greed would make us saintly. And we'd live like animals or angels in the happy land that /needs/ no heroes. But since in fact we see that avarice, anger, envy, pride, sloth, lust and stupidity commonly profit far beyond humility, chastity, fortitude, justice and thought, and have to choose, to be human at all... why then perhaps we /must/ stand fast a little --even at the risk of being heroes.
Robert BoltRead
Death comes for us all. Even for kings he comes.
Robert BoltRead
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