Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
It is his restraint that is honorable to a person, not their liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Honorable behavior stems from self-control rather than the freedom to act without restrictions.
This quote by John Ruskin emphasizes the idea that true honor and nobility are demonstrated through restraint and self-control rather than through the mere possession of freedom or liberty. It suggests that the choices we make and the ability to govern our actions, even within the liberty we have, define our character more than the freedom itself.
Themes
RestraintHonorLibertySelf-ControlCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion on the moral implications of freedom in ethical philosophy.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes βIn health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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