Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Truth and virtue should be clear enough for anyone to understand.
In plain terms
Be so clear that anyone walking by can see the truth.
What can you take from it?
Live so clearly that your life speaks for itself.

Where it applies

  • leading others
  • public life
  • moral teaching

Putting it to work

  • modeling behavior
  • clear communication

Questions to consider

  • How clear is your personal example?
  • What does a life that speaks clearly look like?

Another view

Not everyone interprets actions the same way.

More from William Cowper

  1. An honest man, close-buttoned to the chin, Broadcloth without, and a warm heart within.

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. Toll for the brave - The brave! that are no more; All sunk beneath the wave, Fast by their native shore!

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. I believe no man was ever scolded out of his sins.

    Permalink to quote #10

Related quotes

  1. Of right and wrong he taught Truths as refined as ever Athens heard; And (strange to tell!) he practised what he preached.

    John ArmstrongJohn Armstrong quote #1
  2. So long as faith with freedom reigns And loyal hope survives, And gracious charity remains To leaven lowly lives; While there is one untrodden tract For intell…

    Alfred AustinAlfred Austin quote #3
  3. Mas, sea verdad o sueno, obrar bien es lo que importa. Si fuere verdad, por serlo; si no, por ganar amigos para cuando despertemos.

    Pedro Calderon de la BarcaPedro Calderon de la Barca quote #3