Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
Minds that are great and free, should not on fortune pause: 'Tis crown enough to virtue still, her own applause.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness comes from within, and one should seek self-approval rather than external validation.
This quote by Ben Jonson emphasizes that individuals with great and liberated minds do not need to dwell on their external fortunes or accolades. Instead, the true measure of their greatness lies in their character and the internal recognition of their virtue. The applause of one's own conscience and virtues is presented as the highest form of acknowledgment one can achieve.
Themes
GreatnessVirtueSelf-ApprovalWisdomInternal Validation
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal achievement.
More from Ben Jonson
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Ben JonsonRead
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