Many a crown shines spotless now That yet was deeply sullied in the winning.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A crown may appear spotless now, but it was once tarnished through the effort of winning it.
- In plain terms
- Success can look clean even if it was earned through dirty means.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of the hidden costs behind apparent success.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signs indicate a 'sullied' success?
- Can a tarnished past be redeemed?
Another view
Not all past stains are visible; some may be forgotten.
More from Friedrich von Schiller
Virtue has her heroes too As well as Fame and Fortune.
Permalink to quote #71 There's no such thing as chance; And what to us seems merest accident Springs from the deepest source of destiny.
Permalink to quote #73 I have only an office here, and no opinion.
Permalink to quote #70
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