A prince can mak a belted knight, A marquis, duke, and a' that; But an honest man's aboon his might, Guid faith, he mauna fa' that.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A prince can grant titles, but an honest man stands above his power.
- In plain terms
- Titles are given by leaders, but integrity is higher.
- What can you take from it?
- Integrity holds more value than titles granted by authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What matters more to you, titles or character?
- How do you show honesty?
Another view
Titles still hold practical power in society.
More from Robert Burns
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The man's the gowd for a' that. For a' that an a' that.
Permalink to quote #49 For a' that and a' that, It's coming yet, for a' that, That man to man the world o'er Shall brothers be for a' that.
Permalink to quote #51 Lay the proud usurpers low! Tyrants fall in every foe! Liberty's in every blow- Let us do or die!
Permalink to quote #48
Related quotes
The passion for seeking the truth for truth's sake...can be kept alive only if we continue to seek the truth for truth's sake.
Franz BoasFranz Boas quote #1 Thou must be true thyself, If thou the truth wouldst teach; Thy soul must overflow, if thou Another's soul would'st reach! It needs the overflow of heart To gi…
Horatius BonarHoratius Bonar quote #1 You can't serve the public good without the truth as a bottom line.
Carl BernsteinCarl Bernstein quote #2