The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.
Miguel De CervantesRead
A private sin is not so prejudicial in this world, as a public indecency.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Private sins are less harmful than public wrongdoings.
This quote by Miguel De Cervantes suggests that sins or wrongdoings committed in private are generally perceived as less damaging than those that are made public. It reflects on the societal impact of our actions, indicating that the way we present ourselves publicly has greater weight and consequences than our private transgressions. This speaks to the importance of public perception and the moral standards by which society evaluates behavior.
Themes
SinPublicPrivateIndecencySocietyMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on ethics, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of public accountability.
More from Miguel De Cervantes
All quotes βPatience and shuffle the cards.
Miguel De CervantesRead
It's up to brave hearts, sir, to be patient when things are going badly, as well as being happy when they're going well ... For I've heard that what they call fortune is a flighty woman who drinks too much, and, what's more, she's blind, so she can't see what she's doing, and she doesn't know who she's knocking over or who she's raising up.
Miguel De CervantesRead
When the head aches, all the members partake of the pain.
Miguel De CervantesRead
Though Gods attributes are equal, yet his mercy is more attractive and pleasing in our eyes than his justice.
Miguel De CervantesRead
If you are ambitious of climbing up to the difficult, and in a manner inaccessible, summit of the Temple of Fame, your surest way is to leave on one hand the narrow path of Poetry, and follow the narrower track of Knight-Errantry, which in a trice may raise you to an imperial throne.
Miguel De CervantesRead
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