Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
It is wise not to seek a secret, and honest not to reveal one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting privacy and honesty regarding secrets.
William Penn's quote highlights the balance between curiosity and integrity. It suggests that seeking out secrets can lead to unnecessary complications and that revealing them can betray trust. Wisdom lies in understanding that some things are better left undiscovered, and honesty involves keeping confidences, preserving the integrity of relationships built on trust.
Themes
WisdomSecretsHonestyTrustIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about confidentiality in professional settings, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of keeping client information private.
More from William Penn
All quotes βWhere 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
Man, 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
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