The hat is the pride of man; for he who cannot keep his hat on before kings and emperors is no free man.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True freedom is shown by maintaining dignity before authority.
- In plain terms
- A free man keeps his composure even around powerful people.
- What can you take from it?
- Dignity in presence of power shows true freedom.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you act before authority?
- What defines your inner freedom?
Another view
Freedom is also about choices not just demeanor.
More from Friedrich von Schiller
The dictates of the heart are the voice of fate.
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