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About this quote

What does it mean?
Everyone is afraid to act bravely, so honesty is viewed as unnatural or risky.
In plain terms
Everyone is a coward if they could be, and honesty is seen as wrong.
What can you take from it?
Be honest even if it feels against common sense.

Where it applies

  • moral choices
  • speaking truth
  • social pressure

Putting it to work

  • act with integrity
  • ignore crowd

Questions to consider

  • What stops you being honest?
  • Is bravery common?

Another view

Cowardice is not universal.

More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot

  1. For Wits are treated just like Common Whores; First they're enjoy'd, and then kickt out of Doors.

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  2. Most Men are Cowards, all Men should be Knaves. The Difference lies, as far as I can see, Not in the thing it self, but the Degree.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. Then Old Age, and Experience, hand in hand, Lead him to death, and make him understand, After a Search so painful, and so long, That all his Life he has been i…

    Permalink to quote #25

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