Primum quaerite bona animi; caetera aut aderunt, aut non oberunt
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Focus on cultivating virtue and inner qualities first; external goods will follow or not harm you.
- In plain terms
- Prioritize good character; other things will come or matter less.
- What can you take from it?
- Inner virtue leads to outer stability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What inner qualities do you prioritize?
- Does focusing on virtue reduce external stress?
Another view
It assumes virtue guarantees external stability, which is not always true.
More from Francis Bacon
For man seeketh in society comfort, use, and protection: and they be three wisdoms of divers natures, which do often sever: wisdom of the behaviour, wisdom of …
Permalink to quote #24 Silence is the virtue of a fool.
Permalink to quote #26 All good moral philosophy is but the handmaid to religion.
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