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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Most people are cowardly or dishonest, and the only difference between them is the degree of their bad behavior.
- In plain terms
- Everyone is a coward or a cheat, just to different extents.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that everyone has flaws.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How bad are people?
- Are you better?
Another view
Many people act with integrity consistently.
More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot
For all Men would be Cowards if they durst: And Honesty's against all common Sense.
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