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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author describes a ruler who is cheerful but scandalous and poor.
In plain terms
A king who is fun but causes trouble and has no money.
What can you take from it?
Personal charm does not compensate for poor leadership or management.

Where it applies

  • analyzing politics
  • writing history
  • critiquing leaders

Putting it to work

  • balance fun with duty
  • manage resources
  • maintain dignity

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader effective?
  • Can wealth and virtue exist together?

Another view

It is a very short and incomplete description of a person.

More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot

  1. There's not a thing on earth that I can name, So foolish, and so false, as common fame.

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  2. For pointed satire I would Buckhurst choose, The best good man with the worst-natured muse.

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  3. It is a good world to live in, To lend, or to spend, or to give in; But to beg or to borrow, or to get a man's own, It is the very worst world that ever was kn…

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