Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humility enhances wisdom and strength, making a person exceptionally valuable.
In this quote, William Penn suggests that true wisdom and capability are most admirable when accompanied by humility. A person who possesses skills and knowledge but remains humble is like a precious gem, highly valuable and rare, indicating that the best leaders and individuals are those who do not seek to elevate themselves but instead remain grounded.
Themes
HumilityWisdomValueAbilityLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a leadership seminar to emphasize the importance of humility in effective leadership.
More from William Penn
All quotes βMan, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.
William PennRead
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After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.
Oscar WildeRead