My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nelson declares he guards his reputation and would rather die gloriously than live with shame.
- In plain terms
- He says he protects his name and would rather die with honor than live badly.
- What can you take from it?
- Protect your reputation and value honor over mere survival.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is more important than life?
- How do you define a good name?
Another view
It glorifies death which may not be the best choice in all contexts.
More from Horatio Nelson
Our country will, I believe, sooner forgive an officer for attacking an enemy than for letting it alone.
Permalink to quote #2 Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the b…
Permalink to quote #4 Firstly you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own regarding their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every…
Permalink to quote #1
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