Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
Minds that are great and free, should not on fortune pause: 'Tis crown enough to virtue still, her own applause.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness comes from within, and one should seek self-approval rather than external validation.
This quote by Ben Jonson emphasizes that individuals with great and liberated minds do not need to dwell on their external fortunes or accolades. Instead, the true measure of their greatness lies in their character and the internal recognition of their virtue. The applause of one's own conscience and virtues is presented as the highest form of acknowledgment one can achieve.
Themes
GreatnessVirtueSelf-ApprovalWisdomInternal Validation
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal achievement.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes βWe are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
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You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
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