Never promise more than you can perform.
Publilius SyrusRead
You should not live one way in private, another in public.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of consistency between one's private and public behavior.
Publilius Syrus highlights the ethical expectation that individuals should maintain the same values and character both in private settings and in public interactions. Living a dual life can lead to mistrust and a lack of integrity, suggesting that authenticity is essential for personal credibility and social harmony.
Themes
IntegrityAuthenticityConsistencyCharacterValues
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on ethics, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of honest leadership.
More from Publilius Syrus
All quotes βPain forces even the innocent to lie.
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In a heated argument we are apt to lose sight of the truth.
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Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.
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What a tragedy is help where it harms what it supports!
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The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.
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