Mr. Lely, I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker demands an honest portrait that shows all flaws rather than a flattering one.
- In plain terms
- Paint me exactly as I look, with all my flaws, or I will not pay.
- What can you take from it?
- Truthfulness in representation is valued over flattery or idealization.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you prefer honest or flattering feedback?
- Is realism always better than beauty?
Another view
Insisting on flaws can sometimes stem from insecurity rather than virtue.
More from Oliver Cromwell
It is not my design to drink or to sleep, but my design is to make what haste I can to be gone.
Permalink to quote #44 A man of war is the best ambassador.
Permalink to quote #46 I would be willing to live and be farther serviceable to God and his people; but my work is done. Yet God will be with his people.
Permalink to quote #43
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