Il y a du merite sans elevation, mais il n'y a point d'elevation sans quelque merite.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Merit exists without height, but height cannot exist without some merit.
- In plain terms
- You can have worth without status, but status needs some worth.
- What can you take from it?
- True status requires some genuine value.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What gives you real worth?
- Does status always mean quality?
Another view
Status often comes without real merit in practice.
More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Il faut gouverner la fortune comme la sante: en jouir quand elle est bonne, prendre patience quand elle est mauvaise.
Permalink to quote #91 La vivacite qui augmente en vieillissant ne va pas loin de la folie.
Permalink to quote #93 Ce qui nous rend la vanite des autres insupportable, c'est qu'elle blesse la notre.
Permalink to quote #90
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