Very few reputations are gained by unsullied virtue.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Public recognition often requires visibility or controversy rather than quiet goodness.
- In plain terms
- Virtue without attention rarely builds a reputation.
- What can you take from it?
- Goodness alone does not guarantee recognition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should you promote your good deeds?
- Is reputation necessary for virtue?
Another view
True virtue may not seek reputation anyway.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
One can sometimes do good by being the right person in the wrong place.
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Permalink to quote #143 Men may keep a sort of level of good, but no man has ever been able to keep on one level of evil.
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