WIST Quotations

Steele, Richard -- Essay (1709-11-10), The Tatler, No. 92

Dave — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:37:56 +0000

I know of no manner of speaking so offensive as that of giving praise, and closing it with an exception.

Richard Steele (1672–1729) Anglo-Irish writer, journalist, playwright, politician
Essay (1709-11-10), The Tatler, No. 92

Montaigne, Michel de -- Essays, Book 1, ch. 42 (1.42), “Of the Inequality among Us [De l’inequalité qui est entre nous]” (1572) [tr. Frame (1943)]

Dave — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:58:36 +0000

The honor we receive from those who fear us is not honor.

[L’honneur que nous recevons de ceux qui nous craignent, ce n’est pas honneur.]

Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) French essayist
Essays, Book 1, ch. 42 (1.42), “Of the Inequality among Us [De l’inequalité qui est entre nous]” (1572) [tr. Frame (1943)]

This essay and passage were in the first (1580) edition.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

The honour we receive of those which feare and stand in awe of us, is no true honour.
[tr. Florio (1603)]

The honour we receive from those that fear us, is not honour
[tr. Cotton (1686)]

The honor we receive from those that fear us is not honor.
[tr. Cotton/Hazlitt (1877)]

The honour that we receive from those who fear us is not honour.
[tr. Ives (1925)]

The honour we receive from those who fear us is not honour at all.
[tr. Screech (1987)]

Steele, Richard -- Essay (1711-12-03), The Spectator, No. 238

Dave — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:24:17 +0000

A good name is fitly compared to a precious ointment, and when we are praised with skill and decency, it is indeed the most agreeable perfume: but if too strongly admitted into a brain of a less vigorous and happy texture, it will, like too strong and odour, overcome the senses, and prove pernicious to those nerves it was intended to refresh.

Richard Steele (1672–1729) Anglo-Irish writer, journalist, playwright, politician
Essay (1711-12-03), The Spectator, No. 238

The comparison is in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 7:1.

Steele, Richard -- Essay (1710-08-07), The Tatler, No. 208

Dave — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:44:24 +0000

Praise from an enemy is the most pleasing of all commendations.

Richard Steele (1672–1729) Anglo-Irish writer, journalist, playwright, politician
Essay (1710-08-07), The Tatler, No. 208

Addison, Joseph -- Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

Dave — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:31:43 +0000

If men of eminence are exposed to censure on one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on the other. If they receive reproaches which are not due to them, they likewise receive praises which they do not deserve. In a word, the man in a high post is never regarded with an indifferent eye, but always considered as a friend or an enemy. For this reason persons in great stations have seldom their true characters drawn till several years after their deaths. Their personal friendships and enmities must cease, and the parties they were engaged in be at an end, before their faults or their virtues can have justice done them. When writers have the least opportunity of knowing the truth, they are in the best disposition to tell it.
It is therefore the privilege of posterity to adjust the characters of illustrious persons, and to set matters right between those antagonists who by their rivalry for greatness divided a whole age into factions.

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist, poet, statesman
Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

The last line is sometimes shortened to:

It is the privilege of posterity to set matters right between those antagonists who, by their rivalry for greatness, divided a whole age.

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 2, § 277 (1822)

Dave — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:59:27 +0000

Of present fame think little, and of future less; the praises that we receive after we are buried, like the posies that are strewed over our grave, may be gratifying to the living, but they are nothing to the dead; the dead are gone, either to a place where they hear them not, or where, if they do, they will despise them.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 2, § 277 (1822)

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶152 (1665-1678) [tr. Kronenberger (1959)]

Dave — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:40:06 +0000

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could do us no harm.

[Si nous ne nous flattions point nous-mêmes, la flatterie des autres ne nous pourroit nuire.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶152 (1665-1678) [tr. Kronenberger (1959)]

Present in the 1st (1665) edition, where it ended with "... ne nous feroit jamais de mal." See also maxim ¶158.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

If we did not Flatter our selves, all the Flatteries of other People could never hurt us.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶153]

Did we not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never hurt us.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶144; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶146]

Were we not to flatter ourselves, the flattery of others would never hurt us.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶127]

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others would be very harmless.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶155]

If we never flattered ourselves the flattery of others would not hurt us.
[tr. Bund/Friswell (1871), ¶152]

Did we not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could not harm us.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶152]

Flattery would do us no harm if we did not flatter ourselves.
[tr. Stevens (1939), ¶152]

If we never flattered ourselves, we would be immune to the flattery of others
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶152]

If we never flattered ourselves the flattery of others could do us no harm.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶152]

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶152]

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- Pro Archia Poeta [For Archia the Poet], ch. 9 / sec. 20 (62 BC) [tr. Guinach (1962)]

Dave — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:20:21 +0000

But there is in fact nobody who is so hostile to the Muses that he would not readily allow his own deeds to be immortalized in verse.

[Neque enim quisquam est tam aversus a Musis, qui non mandari versibus aeternum suorum laborum facile praeconium patiatur. ]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
Pro Archia Poeta [For Archia the Poet], ch. 9 / sec. 20 (62 BC) [tr. Guinach (1962)]

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

For there was no one so disinclined to the Muses as not willingly to endure that the praise of his labours should be made immortal by means of verse.
[tr. Yonge (1856)]

For there is nobody so averse to the Muses as not to suffer the eternal cry of their labour to be readily committed to verse.
[tr. M'Donogh Mahony (1886)]

For indeed is there anyone so averse to the Muses who would not readily suffer (that) the eternal panegyric of his labors [should] be committed to verse.
[tr. Dewey (1916)]

For indeed there is no man to whom the Muses are so distasteful that he will not be glad to entrust to poetry the eternal emblazonment of his achievements.
[tr. Watts (Loeb) (1923)]

Indeed, there never was any one such a stranger to poetic feeling as not readily to allow the immortal advertisement of his deeds to be committed to verse.
[tr. Allcroft/Plaistowe (c. 1925)]

There is no one so averse to the Muses that he would not readily submit to having an eternal monument of his own labors made in verse.
[tr. @sentantiq [Erik] (2016)]

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- Pro Archia Poeta [For Archia the Poet], ch. 11 / sec. 26 (62 BC) [tr. Guinach (1962)]

Dave — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:20:26 +0000

We are all motivated by a keen desire for praise, and the better a man is, the more he is inspired by glory.

[Trahimur omnes studio laudis et optimus quisque maxime gloria ducitur.]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
Pro Archia Poeta [For Archia the Poet], ch. 11 / sec. 26 (62 BC) [tr. Guinach (1962)]

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

We are all influenced by a desire of praise, and the best men are the most especially attracted by glory.
[tr. Yonge (1856)]

We are all drawn away by an eagerness after praise, and even the very least of men is most led by fame.
[tr. M'Donogh Mahony (1886)]

We are all drawn on by a desire of praise, and each best one is led chiefly by glory.
[tr. Dewey (1916)]

Ambition is an universal factor in life, and the nobler a man is, the more susceptible is he to the sweets of fame.
[tr. Watts (Loeb) (1923)]

We are all drawn on by the pursuit of praise, and all the best of us are so led by glory in the highest degree.
[tr. Allcroft/Plaistowe (c. 1925)]

We are all motivated by the desire for praise, and the best people are the ones who are most attracted by glory.
[tr. Berry (2000)]

Billings, Josh -- Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1875-07 (1875 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:04:54 +0000

He who expekts to be praized every time he duz a virtewous thing will soon git tired of the bizzness.

[He who expects to be praised every time he does a virtuous thing will soon get tired of the business.]

Josh Billings (1818–1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1875-07 (1875 ed.)

Hoffer, Eric -- Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 131 (1955)

Dave — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:34:21 +0000

The readiness to praise others indicates a desire for excellence and perhaps an ability to realize it.

Eric Hoffer (1902–1983) American writer, philosopher, longshoreman
Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 131 (1955)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:40:57 +0000

The cringing Train of Pow’r, survey;
What Creatures are so low as they!
With what obsequiousness they bend!
To what vile actions condescend!
Their Rise is on their Meanness built,
And Flatt’ry is their smallest Guilt.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Addison, Joseph -- Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

Dave — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:19:51 +0000

Every one that has been long dead has a due proportion of praise allotted him, in which, whilst he lived, his friends were too profuse, and his enemies too sparing.

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist, poet, statesman
Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

Addison, Joseph -- Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

Dave — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:28:01 +0000

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist, poet, statesman
Essay (1711-06-26), The Spectator, No. 101

Billings, Josh -- Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 156 “Affurisms: Embers on the Harth” (1874)

Dave — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:20:55 +0000

The love that a man gains by flattery, is worth just about az mutch az the flattery is.

[The love that a man gains by flattery is worth just about as much as the flattery is.]

Josh Billings (1818–1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 156 “Affurisms: Embers on the Harth” (1874)

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 3 (1963)

Dave — Tue, 27 May 2025 15:04:48 +0000

It is always safe to tell people that they’re looking wonderful.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 3 (1963)

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶554 (1665-1678) [tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶524]

Dave — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:50:27 +0000

We only criticize ourselves in order to win the praise of others.

[On ne se blâme que pour être loué.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶554 (1665-1678) [tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶524]

This maxim came from the 6th ed. (1693), published by Barbin more than twelve years after La Rochefoucauld's death. It is not present in many collections.

Compare to ¶149 and ¶327.

(Source (French)). Alternate translations:

We blame ourselves only to extort praise.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶363]

When we seem to blame ourselves; we mean only to extort praise.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶318]

Man only blames himself in order that he may be praised.
[tr. Bund/Friswell (1871), 1693 ed.]

We only blame ourselves in order to be praised.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶554]

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 2, # 1816 (1727)

Dave — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:15:33 +0000

Believe not that Men have an Esteem for thee only because they say so.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 2, # 1816 (1727)

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶149 (1665-1678) [tr. Kronenberger (1959)]

Dave — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 23:04:58 +0000

We refuse praise from a desire to be praised twice.

[Le refus des louanges est un désir d’être loué deux fois.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶149 (1665-1678) [tr. Kronenberger (1959)]

Present since the 1st edition. Brund/Friswell note a variant 1665 version which they translate: "The modesty which pretends to refuse praise is but in truth a desire to be praised more highly."

See also ¶327, and Chesterfield (1750).

(Source (French)). Other translations:

That Modesty which stands so much upon the refusal of [praises], is indeed but a desire of having such as are more delicate.
[tr. Davies (1669), ¶151]

He that refuses Praises the first time it is offered, does it, because he would hear it a second.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶150]

A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶368; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶143]

Resistance to praise is a desire to be praised twice.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶325]

A refusal of praise; is a desire to be praised twice.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶152]

The refusal of praise is only the wish to be praised twice.
[tr. Bund/Friswell (1871), ¶149]

We decline commendation that we may be twice commended.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶149]

To disclaim admiration is to desire it in double measure.
[tr. Stevens (1939), ¶149]

The refusal to accept praise is the desire to be praised twice over.
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶149]

To refuse to accept praise is to want to be praised twice over.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶149]

The refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice over.
[tr. Siniscalchi (c. 1994)]

The refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶149]

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 523 (1820)

Dave — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:21:38 +0000

There are two things which ought to teach us to think but meanly of human glory: the very best have had their calumniators, the very worst their panegyrists.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 523 (1820)

Moliere -- Le Misanthrope, Act 1, sc. 1 (1666) [tr. Wilbur (1954)]

Dave — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:51:45 +0000

ALCESTE: Esteem is founded on comparison:
To honor all men is to honor none.

[Sur quelque préférence une estime se fonde,
Et c’est n’estimer rien qu’estimer tout le monde.]

Molière (1622–1673) French playwright, actor [stage name for Jean-Baptiste Poquelin]
Le Misanthrope, Act 1, sc. 1 (1666) [tr. Wilbur (1954)]

(Source (French)). Alternate translations:

Preference must be based on esteem, and to esteem every one is to esteem no one.
[tr. Van Laun (1878)]

Esteem must be founded on some preference, and to esteem all the world is to esteem no one.
[tr. Mathew (1890)]

Esteem is based on preference; to esteem the whole world alike is to feel no esteem for anyone.
[tr. Wormeley (1894)]

Preference is based on esteem, and to esteem every one is not to esteem anyone.
[tr. Waller (1903)]

Real love must rest upon some preference;
You might as well love none, as everybody.
[tr. Page (1913)]

But true esteem is based on preference;
Esteeming everyone, you esteem nothing.
[tr. Bishop (1957)]

Esteem, if it be real, means preference,
And when bestowed on all it makes no sense.
[tr. Frame (1967)]

On some preference esteem is based; to esteem everything is to esteem nothing.
[E.g. (1968)]

Billings, Josh -- Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 150 “Affurisms: Parboils” (1874)

Dave — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 22:23:55 +0000

He whom the good praize and wicked hate ought tew be satisfied with hiz reputashun.

[He whom the good praise and the wicked hate ought to be satisfied with his reputation.]

Taleb, Nassim Nicholas -- The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms, “Ethics” (2010)

Dave — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:41:24 +0000

There are those who will thank you for what you gave them and others who will blame you for what you did not give them.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb (b. 1960) Lebanese-American essayist, statistician, risk analyst, aphorist
The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms, “Ethics” (2010)

Buck, Pearl S. -- To My Daughters, with Love, ch. 4 “First Meeting” (1967)

Dave — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:06:06 +0000

Praise out of season, or tactlessly bestowed, can freeze the heart as much as blame. To praise for the wrong possession or attribute can wound beyond amends.

Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973) American writer
To My Daughters, with Love, ch. 4 “First Meeting” (1967)

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 512 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:17:25 +0000

Endeavour rather to get the Approbation of a few good Men, than the Huzza of the Mob.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 512 (1725)

Chamfort, Nicolas -- Products of Perfected Civilization [Produits de la Civilisation Perfectionée], Part 1 “Maxims and Thoughts [Maximes et Pensées],” ch. 1, ¶ 85 (1795) [tr. Parmée (2003), ¶ 69]

Dave — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 17:22:10 +0000

Poets, orators, even philosophes, say the same things about fame we were told as boys to encourage us to win prizes. What they tell children to make them prefer being praised by their nannies to eating jam tarts is the same idea constantly drummed into us to encourage us to sacrifice our real interests in the hope of being praised by our contemporaries or by posterity.

[Ce que les poètes, les orateurs, même quelques philosophes nous disent sur l’amour de la Gloire, on nous le disait au Collège, pour nous encourager à avoir les prix. Ce que l’on dit aux enfans pour les engager à préférer à une tartelette les louanges de leurs bonnes, c’est ce qu’on répète aux hommes pour leur faire préférer à un intérêt personnel les éloges de leurs contemporains ou de la postérité.]

Nicolas Chamfort (1741–1794) French writer, epigrammist (b. Nicolas-Sébastien Roch)
Products of Perfected Civilization [Produits de la Civilisation Perfectionée], Part 1 “Maxims and Thoughts [Maximes et Pensées],” ch. 1, ¶ 85 (1795) [tr. Parmée (2003), ¶ 69]

(Source (French)). Alternate translations:

The things which poets, orators, and even a few philosophers tell us about the love of Glory, are exactly the things we are told at College to encourage us to win prizes. And what they say to children to make them prefer the praise of their nurses to a tartlet, they repeat to grown men to make them prefer the eulogy of their fellows or of posterity to personal advantage.
[tr. Mathers (1926)]

All that the poets, the orators, and even certain philosophers tell us about the love of fame we were told at school to urge us to win prizes. All that is said to encourage children to prefer the praise of their mentors to a piece of pie is repeated to men to make them consider their personal profit less desirable than the plaudits of their contemporaries and of posterity.
[tr. Merwin (1969)]

Things said by poets, orators, even some philosophers, about love of glory, were told to us at the Collège to encourage us to win prizes. What children are told to incline them to prefer a slice of tart to their nurses' approval, is the same as what men are repeatedly told to make them put the commendation of their contemporaries, or that of posterity, before their personal interest.
[tr. Pearson (1973)]

What poets, orators, even several philosophers have said about the love of fame, was told to us at school to encourage us to win prizes.
[tr. Dusinberre (1992)]

What poets, orators, and even philosophers say to us about love of glory is the same as what people said to us in the colleges to encourage us to compete for prizes. What people tell children to make them prefer the praise of their nurses to something silly is the same thing that people repeat to men to make them prefer the praise of their contemporaries or of posterity to their own self-interest.
[tr. Siniscalchi (1994)]

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 422 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:50:10 +0000

Look as much into the Intention of him that praises thee, as of him that calumniates thee.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 422 (1725)

Jefferson, Thomas -- Letter (1789-093-13) to Francis Hopkinson

Dave — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:37:59 +0000

My great wish is to go on in a strict but silent performance of my duty: to avoid attracting notice and to keep my name out of newspapers, because I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)
Letter (1789-093-13) to Francis Hopkinson

Nietzsche, Friedrich -- The Gay Science [Die fröhliche Wissenschaft], Book 3, § 264 (1882) [tr. Kaufmann (1974)]

Dave — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:56:17 +0000

What we do is never understood but always only praised or censured.

[Was wir thun, wird nie verstanden, sondern immer nur gelobt und getadelt.]

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German philosopher and poet
The Gay Science [Die fröhliche Wissenschaft], Book 3, § 264 (1882) [tr. Kaufmann (1974)]

Also known as La Gaya Scienza, The Joyful Wisdom, or The Joyous Science.

(Source (German)). Other translations:

What we do is never understood, but only praised and blamed.
[tr. Common (1911)]

What we do is never understood but always merely praised and reproached.
[tr. Nauckhoff (2001)]

Montaigne, Michel de -- Essays, Book 3, ch. 2 (3.2), “Of Repentance [Du Repentir]” (1586) [tr. Frame (1943)]

Dave — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:00:31 +0000

To found the reward for virtuous actions on the approval of others is to choose too uncertain and shaky a foundation. Especially in an age as corrupt and ignorant as this, the good opinion of the people is a dishonor. Whom can you trust to see what is praiseworthy?

[De fonder la recompence des actions vertueuses, sur l’approbation d’autruy, c’est prendre un trop incertain et trouble fondement, signamment en un siecle corrompu et ignorant, comme cettuy cy la bonne estime du peuple est injurieuse. A qui vous fiez vous, de veoir ce qui est louable?]

Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) French essayist
Essays, Book 3, ch. 2 (3.2), “Of Repentance [Du Repentir]” (1586) [tr. Frame (1943)]

This essay first appeared in the 1588 ed. The second sentence/phrase (on the age being so corrupt) and following were added for the 1595 ed.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

To ground the recompence of vertuous actions, upon the approbation of others, is to undertake a most uncertaine or troubled foundation, namely in an age so corrupt and times so ignorant, as this is: the vulgar peoples good opinion is injurious. Whom trust you in seeing what is commendable?
[tr. Florio (1603)]

To ground the Recompence of virtuous Actions upon the Approbation of others, is too uncertain and unsafe a Foundation; especially in so corrupt and ignorant an Age as this, the good Opinion of the Vulgar is injurious. Upon whom do you relie to shew you what is recommendable?
[tr. Cotton (1686)]

To ground the recompense of virtuous actions upon the approbation of others is too uncertain and unsafe a foundation, especially in so corrupt and ignorant an age as this, wherein the good opinion of the vulgar is injurious: upon whom do you rely to show you what is recommendable?
[tr. Cotton/Hazlitt (1877)]

To base the reward of virtuous actions on the approbation of others is to choose a too uncertain and obscure foundation. Especially in a corrupt and ignorant age like this, the good opinion of the vulgar is offensive; to whom do you trust to perceive what is praiseworthy?
[tr. Ives (1925)]

Basing the recompense of virtuous deeds on another’s approbation is to accept too uncertain and confused a foundation -- especially since in a corrupt and ignorant period like our own to be in good esteem with the masses is an insult: whom would you trust to recognize what was worthy of praise!
[tr. Screech (1987)]

Lessing, Doris -- Particularly Cats, ch. 5 (1967)

Dave — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:48:32 +0000

Oh cat; I’d say, or pray: be-ooootiful cat! Delicious cat! Exquisite cat! Satiny cat! Cat like a soft owl, cat with paws like moths, jeweled cat, miraculous cat! Cat, cat, cat, cat.

Doris Lessing (1919–2013) British author, biographer, playwright [b. Doris May Tayler]
Particularly Cats, ch. 5 (1967)

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Commendation,” The Cynic’s Word Book (1906)

Dave — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 22:23:59 +0000

COMMENDATION, n. The tribute that we pay to achievements that resemble, but do not equal, our own.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Commendation,” The Cynic’s Word Book (1906)

Included in The Devil's Dictionary (1911). Originally published in the "Devil's Dictionary" column in the San Francisco Wasp (1881-08-05).

Twain, Mark -- Letter to Gertrude Natkin (1906-03-02)

Dave — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:40:05 +0000

Compliments make me vain: & when I am vain, I am insolent & overbearing. It is a pity, too, because I love compliments. I love them even when they are not so. My child, I can live on a good compliment two weeks with nothing else to eat.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer [pseud. of Samuel Clemens]
Letter to Gertrude Natkin (1906-03-02)

In a similar vein, his biographer, Albert Bigelow Paine, in Mark Twain: A Biography, Vol. 4, ch. 250 (1912), recalled Clemens saying: "I can live for two months on a good compliment."

Gide, André -- Journal (1906-02-13) [tr. O’Brien (1947)]

Dave — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:36:16 +0000

Nothing is so silly as the expression of a man who is being complimented.

André Gide (1869–1951) French author, Nobel laureate
Journal (1906-02-13) [tr. O’Brien (1947)]

Chalmers, Thomas -- Journal (1810-05-10)

Dave — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:44:32 +0000

Guard against that vanity which courts a compliment, or is fed by it.

Thomas Chalmers (1780–1847) Scottish minister, theologian, political economist, church leader
Journal (1810-05-10)

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 6 (1820)

Dave — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:30:57 +0000

Great minds had rather deserve contemporaneous applause, without obtaining it, than obtain, without deserving it; if it follow them, it is well, but they will not deviate to follow it. With inferior minds the reverse is observable; so that they can command the flattery of knaves while living, they care not for the execrations of honest men, when dead.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 6 (1820)

Augustine of Hippo -- Confessions, Book 10, ch. 38 / ¶ 63 (10.38.63) (c. AD 398) [tr. Pine-Coffin (1961)]

Dave — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:19:20 +0000

And even when I reproach myself for it, the love of praise tempts me. There is temptation in the very process of self-reproach, for often, by priding himself on his contempt for vainglory, a man is guilty of even emptier pride; and for this reason his contempt of vainglory is an empty boast, because he cannot really hold it in contempt as long as he prides himself on doing so.

[[Amor laudis] temptat et cum a me in me arguitur, eo ipso quo arguitur, et saepe de ipso vanae gloriae contemptu vanius gloriatur, ideoque non iam de ipso contemptu gloriae gloriatur: non enim eam contemnit cum gloriatur.]

Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Christian church father, philosopher, saint [b. Aurelius Augustinus]
Confessions, Book 10, ch. 38 / ¶ 63 (10.38.63) (c. AD 398) [tr. Pine-Coffin (1961)]

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

[Love of praise] tempts, even when it is reproved by myself in myself, on the very ground that it is reproved; and often glories more vainly of the very contempt of vain-glory; and so it is no longer contempt of vain-glory, whereof it glories; for it doth not contemn when it glorieth.
[tr. Pusey (1838)]

[Love of praise] tempts, even when within I reprove myself for it, on the very ground that it is reproved; and often man glories more vainly of the very scorn of vain-glory; wherefore it is not any longer scorn of vain-glory whereof it glories, for he does not truly contemn it when he inwardly glories.
[tr. Pilkington (1876)]

[Love of praise] tempts, even when I condemn it in myself, and from the very fact that it is condemned; and often glories more vainly in the very contempt of vain-glory; and therefore it ceases to be contempt of vain-glory, whereof it glories; for it does not really contemn it when it so glories.
[tr. Hutchings (1890)]

Love of praise tempts me even when I reprove it in myself, indeed in the very fact that I do reprove it: a man often glories the more vainly for his very contempt of vainglory: for which reason he does not really glory in his contempt of glory; in that he glories in it, he does not contemn it.
[tr. Sheed (1943), 10.39]

[Love of praise] tempts me, even when I inwardly reprove myself for it, and this precisely because it is reproved. For a man may often glory vainly in the very scorn of vainglory--and in this case it is not any longer the scorn of vainglory in which he glories, for he does not truly despise it when he inwardly glories in it.
[tr. Outler (1955)]

Even when [love of praise] is rebuked within myself by myself, it affords temptation by the very fact that it is rebuked. Often, out of very contempt of glory a man derives an emptier glory. No longer, therefore, does he glory in contempt of vainglory: he does not despise it, in as much as he glories over it.
[tr. Ryan (1960)]

Indeed [the love of praise] tempts me even in the very act of condemning it; often in our contempt of vainglory we are merely being all the more vainglorious, and so one cannot really say that one glories in the contempt of glory; for one does not feel contempt for something in which one glories.
[tr. Warner (1963)]

[Love of praise] is a temptation, even when shown up by myself and in myself. "Shown up" is the right word. It often boasts emptily over its very scorn for empty boasting, which thus ceases to be the scorn of which it boasts. The boaster does not in truth despise it, when he boasts about it.
[tr. Blaiklock (1983)]

[Hankering for praise] is a real temptation to me, and even when I am accusing myself of it, the very fact that I am accusing myself tempts me to further self-esteem. We can make our very contempt for vainglory a ground for preening ourselves more vainly still, which proves that what we are congratulating ourselves on is certainly not contempt for vainglory; for no one who indulges in it can be despising it.
[tr. Boulding (1997)]

La Bruyere, Jean de -- The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 12 “Of Opinions [Des Jugements],” § 5 (12.5) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]

Dave — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:19:29 +0000

Nothing is meaner, and more typical of the mob, than to speak in glowing terms of those whom one held in little account before their rise to eminence.

[Il n’y a rien de plus bas, et qui convienne mieux au peuple, que de parler en des termes magnifiques de ceux mêmes dont l’on pensait très modestement avant leur élévation.]

Jean de La Bruyère (1645–1696) French essayist, moralist
The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 12 “Of Opinions [Des Jugements],” § 5 (12.5) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]

(Source (French)). Other translations:

There's nothing so mean, and so like the Mob, as to talk much in the praise of those very persons, of whom we thought indifferently before their promotion.
[Bullord ed. (1696)]

There is nothing so mean and so like the Vulgar, as to talk much in praise of those very Persons, of whom we thought indifferently before their promotion.
[Curll ed. (1713)]

There's nothing so mean, and so truly vulgar, as to sound the Praise of those very Persons, of whom we thought but indifferently before their Promotion.
[Browne ed. (1752)]

There is nothing so mean and so truly vulgar as extravagantly to praise those very persons of whom we had but very indifferent opinions before their promotion.
[tr. Van Laun (1885)]

Virgil -- The Aeneid [Ænē̆is], Book 1, l. 607ff (1.607-610) [Aeneas] (29-19 BC) [tr. Conington (1866)]

Dave — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:48:18 +0000

While rivers run into the deep,
While shadows o’er the hillside sweep,
While stars in heaven’s fair pasture graze,
Shall live your honour, name, and praise,
Whate’er my destined home.

[In freta dum fluvii current, dum montibus umbrae
lustrabunt convexa, polus dum sidera pascet,
semper honos nomenque tuum laudesque manebunt,
quae me cumque vocant terrae.]

Virgil (70–19 BC) Roman poet [b. Publius Vergilius Maro; also Vergil]
The Aeneid [Ænē̆is], Book 1, l. 607ff (1.607-610) [Aeneas] (29-19 BC) [tr. Conington (1866)]

Expressing undying gratitude to Dido for taking him and his soldiers in. He will then marry Dido, desert her, and leave her to her suicide. At least he gets haunted by her ghost in the Underworld.

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

Whilst convex'd hills have shadows, to the maine,
Whilst rivers run, whilst poles the stars sustaine,
Thy honour; name, and same, shall last, what land
So-ever me invites.
[tr. Ogilby (1649)]

While rolling rivers into seas shall run,
And round the space of heav'n the radiant sun;
While trees the mountain tops with shades supply,
Your honour, name, and praise shall never die.
Whate'er abode my fortune has assign'd,
Your image shall be present in my mind
[tr. Dryden (1697)]

While the rivers to the sea
Shall run, -- while mountain shadows move around
Their sides, -- and while the heavens shall feed the
stars. So long thy honor, and thy name and praise
Shall last, whatever lands may call me hence.
[tr. Cranch (1872)]

While rivers run into the sea, while the mountain shadows move across their slopes, while the stars have pasturage in heaven, ever shall thine honour, thy name and praises endure in the unknown lands that summon me.
[tr. Mackail (1885)]

Now while the rivers seaward run, and while the shadows stray
O'er hollow hills, and while the pole the stars is pasturing wide,
Still shall thine honour and thy name, still shall thy praise abide
What land soever calleth me.
[tr. Morris (1900)]

O, while the rivers run
to mingle with the sea, while shadows pass
along yon rounded hills from vale to vale,
and while from heaven's unextinguished fire
the stars be fed -- so long thy glorious name,
thy place illustrious and thy virtue's praise,
abide undimmed. -- Yet I myself must go
to lands I know not where.
[tr. Williams (1910)]

While rivers run into the sea, while on the mountains shadows move over the slopes, while heaven feeds the stars, ever shall thy honour, thy name, and thy praises endure, whatever be the lands that summon me!
[tr. Fairclough (1916)]

While rivers run to sea, while shadows move
Over the mountains, while the stars burn on,
Always, your praise, your honor, and your name,
Whatever land I go to, will endure.
[tr. Humphries (1951)]

So long as rivers run to the sea, and shadows wheel round
The hollows of the hills, and star-flocks browse in the sky,
Your name, your fame, your glory shall perish not from the land
Wherever I am summoned to go.
[tr. Day-Lewis (1952)]

While rivers run into the sea and shadows
still sweep the mountain slopes and stars still pasture
upon the sky, your name and praise and honor
shall last, whatever be the lands that call me.
[tr. Mandelbaum (1971), l. 852ff]

So long as brooks flow seaward, and the shadows
Play over the moutnain slopes, and highest heaven
Feeds the stars, your name and your distinction
Go with me, whatever lands may call me.
[tr. Fitzgerald (1981), l. 828ff]

While rivers run into the sea, while shadows of mountains move in procession round the curves of valleys, while the sky feeds the stars, your honour, your name, and your praise will remain for ever in every land to which I am called.
[tr. West (1990)]

Your honour, name and praise will endure forever,
whatever lands may summon me, while rivers run
to the sea, while shadows cross mountain slopes,
while the sky nourishes the stars.
[tr. Kline (2002)]

While rivers run to the sea, while shadows
Move over mountainsides, while the sky
Pastures the stars, ever shall your honor,
Your name, and your praises endure,
Whatever the lands that summon me.
[tr. Lombardo (2005)]

So long as rivers run to the sea, so long as shadows
travel the mountain slopes and the stars range the skies,
your honor, your name, your praise will live forever,
whatever lands may call me to their shores
[tr. Fagles (2006), l. 727]

While rivers flow to the seas and shadows cross the moutnain slopes, while sky pastures the stars, your honor and your name and praise will last for me, whatever country calls.
[tr. Bartsch (2021)]

Tolstoy, Leo -- Letter to Nikolay Strakhov (1876)

Dave — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:53:32 +0000

Our profession is dreadful, writing corrupts the soul. Every author is surrounded by an aura of adulation which he nurses so assiduously that he cannot begin to judge his own worth or see when it starts to decline.

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) Russian novelist and moral philosopher
Letter to Nikolay Strakhov (1876)

Quoted in Henri Troyat, Tolstoy (1967).

Johnson, Samuel -- Comment (11-19 Nov 1793), in James Boswell, Journey of a Tour to the Hebrides (1785)

Dave — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 21:45:13 +0000

It is advantageous to an author, that his book should be attacked as well as praised. Fame is a shuttlecock. If it be struck at one end of the room, it will soon fall to the ground. To keep it up, it must be struck at both ends.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Comment (11-19 Nov 1793), in James Boswell, Journey of a Tour to the Hebrides (1785)

Antrim, Minna -- Don’ts for Bachelors and Old Maids (1908)

Dave — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:26:44 +0000

Don’t be a man of “Intentions.” The world gives a man credit only for his deeds and, often, not even for them.

Minna Antrim (1861–1950) American epigrammatist, writer
Don’ts for Bachelors and Old Maids (1908)

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:22:12 +0000

Nobody wants constructive criticism; it’s all we can do to put up with constructive praise.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1963)

Dylan, Bob -- (Misattributed)

Dave — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:36:50 +0000

The way you win as a creative person is to learn to love the work and not the applause.

Bob Dylan (b. 1941) American singer, songwriter
(Misattributed)

Attributed to Dylan, but it actually appears to be from an article by Brian Herzog, "Don't Write for Applause" (28 May 2015), which touched on Dylan.

Flaubert, Gustave -- Letter to Louise Colet (14 Jun 1853) [tr. Hannigan (1896)]

Dave — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 17:45:25 +0000

You are astonished to find yourself the butt of so much calumny, opposition, indifference and ill-will. You will be more so and have more of it; it is the reward of the good and the beautiful: one may calculate the value of a man from the number of his critics and the importance of a work by the evil said of it.

Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880) French writer, novelist
Letter to Louise Colet (14 Jun 1853) [tr. Hannigan (1896)]

Another translation: "You can calculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it." [Source]

Maugham, W. Somerset -- Of Human Bondage, ch. 50 (1915)

Dave — Tue, 11 May 2021 19:56:10 +0000

People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise.

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) English novelist and playwright [William Somerset Maugham]
Of Human Bondage, ch. 50 (1915)

Democritus -- Frag. 114 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]

Dave — Tue, 04 May 2021 16:44:16 +0000

It is better to be praised by another than by oneself.

[βέλτερον ὑφ’ ἑτέρου ἢ ὑφ’ ἑαυτοῦ ἐπαινέεσθαι.]

Democritus (c. 460 BC - c. 370 BC) Greek philosopher
Frag. 114 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]

Original Greek. Diels citation "114. (117 N.) DEMOKRATES. 82." Freeman notes this as one of the Gnômae, from a collection called "Maxims of Democratês," but because Stobaeus quotes many of these as "Maxims of Democritus," they are generally attributed to the latter. The same translation is made by @sentantiq (2016).

Another translation: "It is better to be praised by others than by oneself." [tr. Barnes (1987)]

Leonardo da Vinci -- Notebook entry (c. 1500), Leonardo da Vinci’s Note-Books (1906) [tr. MacCurdy]

Dave — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:19:46 +0000

You do ill if you praise, but worse if you censure, what you do not understand.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Italian artist, engineer, scientist, polymath
Notebook entry (c. 1500), Leonardo da Vinci’s Note-Books (1906) [tr. MacCurdy]

Codice Atlantico 76 v. a.

Ken, Thomas -- Doxology (1695)

Dave — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:13:29 +0000

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him, all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Thomas Ken (1637–1711) English cleric, poet, hymnist
Doxology (1695)

This doxology was added at the end of Ken's Morning, Evening, and Midnight Hymns ("Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun," "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" (or "Glory to Thee, My God, This Night"), and "Lord, Now My Sleep Does Me Forsake." It is now often sung on its own in some Christian denominations, particularly Anglican.

Forster, E. M. -- Commonplace Book (1985) [ed. Gardner]

Dave — Wed, 13 May 2020 17:00:10 +0000

Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wants to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.

E. M. Forster (1879–1970) English novelist, essayist, critic, librettist [Edward Morgan Forster]
Commonplace Book (1985) [ed. Gardner]

Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Sr. -- Article (1858-01), “The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table,” Atlantic Monthly

Dave — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:43:19 +0000

I never saw an author in my life — saving perhaps one — that did not purr as audibly as a full-grown domestic cat on having his fur smoothed the right way by a skillful hand.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) American poet, essayist, scholar
Article (1858-01), “The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table,” Atlantic Monthly

Collected in The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, ch. 3 (1858).

Macaulay, Thomas Babington -- Essay (1828-01/05), “John Dryden,” Edinburgh Review No. 93, Art. 1

Dave — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:03:23 +0000

His imagination resembled the wings of an ostrich. It enabled him to run, though not to soar. When he attempted the highest flights, he became ridiculous; but, while he remained in a lower region, he outstripped all competitors.

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800–1859) English writer and politician
Essay (1828-01/05), “John Dryden,” Edinburgh Review No. 93, Art. 1

A review of John Dryden, The Political Works of John Dryden (1826). Collected in Miscellaneous Writings, Vol. 1 (1860).

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶166 (1665-1678) [tr. Bund/Friswell (1871)]

Dave — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:35:21 +0000

The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.

[Le monde récompense plus souvent les apparences du mérite que le mérite même.]

The world, failing to recognize true merit, has no intention of rewarding it; thus, it elevates to positions of greatness and dignity only those who possess superficial charms, generally crowning whatever glitters — even though not all that glitters is gold.

[Le monde, ne connoissant pas le véritable mérite, n’a garde de le vouloir récompenser ; aussi n’élève-t-il pas à ses grandeurs et à ses dignités que des personnes qui ont de belles qualités, et il couronne généralement tout ce qui luit, quoique tout ce qui luit ne soit pas de l’or.]

See also ¶162.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

The appearances of Goodness and Desert often meet with a greater reward from the World, than real Goodness and Desert itself.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶167]

The appearance of merit is oftener rewarded by the world than merit itself.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶310; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶160]

The affectation of merit is oftener rewarded than merit itself.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶273]

The world more often rewards the appearances of merit than it does merit itself.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶169]

Apparent virtue is more often praised than true merit.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶166]

The world bestows its prizes more often upon the semblance of merit than upon merit itself.
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶166]

The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.
[tr. Kronenberger (1959), ¶166]

The world more often rewards outward signs of merit than merit itself.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶166]

The world more often rewards the appearance of merit than it does the thing itself.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶166]

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- “Experience,” Essays: Second Series (1844)

Dave — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 23:30:55 +0000

We do what we must, and call it by the best names we can, and would fain have the praise of having intended the result which ensues.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
“Experience,” Essays: Second Series (1844)

Seneca the Younger -- Moral Letters to Lucilius [Epistulae morales ad Lucilium], Letter 52 “On choosing our teachers,” Sec. 12

Dave — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 21:19:14 +0000

You can tell the character of every man when you see how he gives and receives praise.

Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC-AD 65) Roman statesman, philosopher, playwright [Lucius Annaeus Seneca]
Moral Letters to Lucilius [Epistulae morales ad Lucilium], Letter 52 “On choosing our teachers,” Sec. 12

Martial -- Epigrams [Epigrammata], Book 1, epigram 25 (1.25.5-8) (AD 85-86) [tr. Wills (2007)]

Dave — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:30:32 +0000

Why fight off fame now beating at your door?
What other writers dare to promise more?
You must make immortality start now,
Not make it wait to give your corpse a bow.

[Ante fores stantem dubitas admittere Famam
Teque piget curae praemia ferre tuae?
Post te victurae per te quoque vivere chartae
Incipiant: cineri gloria sera venit.]

Martial (AD c.39-c.103) Spanish Roman poet, satirist, epigrammatist [Marcus Valerius Martialis]
Epigrams [Epigrammata], Book 1, epigram 25 (1.25.5-8) (AD 85-86) [tr. Wills (2007)]

"To Faustinus." (Source (Latin)). Some early writers number this as ep. 26, as noted. Other translations:

Wilt not admit fame standing at thy doore?
And take the fruit of all thy paines before?
Fame to the Urne comes late; let those Books live
With thee, which after life to thee must give.
[tr. May (1629), 1.26]

Dost doubt t'admit Fame standing at thy gate?
Thy labour's just reward to bear, dost hate?
That which will after, in thy time let live:
Too late men praise unto our ashes give.
[tr. Killigrew (1695)]

Fame at your portal waits; the door why barr'd?
Why loth to take your labour's just reward?
Let works live with you, which will long survive;
For honours after death too late arrive.
[tr. Hay (1755), 1.26]

Admit fair fame, who dances at thy door;
And dain to reap thyself thy toil's reward.
The strains that shall survive thee, give to soar;
Nor to thine ashes leave the late record.
[tr. Elphinston (1782), 2.34]

Do you hesitate to let in Fame when standing for admittance before your threshold, and does it grieve you to reap the rewards of your own diligence? May your poems, which will survive you, begin to live by your means. The glory which is shed upon ashes arrives full late.
[tr. Amos (1858), 1.26 "Posthumous Works"]

Do you hesitate to admit Fame, who is standing before your door; and does it displease you to receive the reward of your labour? Let the writings, destined to live after you, begin to live through your means. Glory comes too late, when paid only to our ashes.
[tr. Bohn's Classical (1859)]

If after thee thy verses are to live,
Let them begin whilst thou'rt alive. Too late
The glory that illumines but they tomb.
[ed. Harbottle (1897)]

Do you hesitate to admit Fame that stands before your doors, and shrink from winning the reward of your care? Let writings that will live after you by your adi also begin to live now; to the ashes of the dead glory comes too late.
[tr. Ker (1919)]

Nay, doth it irk you that reward is nigh?
Why bar out fame who standeth at the gate?
Give birth to what must live, before you die,
For honour paid to ashes comes too late.
[tr. Pott & Wright (1921)]

Fame stands before your threshold, let her in;
Are you ashamed your meed of praise to win?
Your books will long outlive you in their fame;
Come then, begin, for ashes have no name.
[tr. Francis & Tatum (1924), #14]

Tell me why you hesitate;
Fame is standing at your door.
Take the prize she long has offered,
Long has held for you in store!
Let works that will survive you after
You have trod the path so dread
Live now, while you still are living.
Fame comes too late to the dead.
[tr. Marcellino (1968)]

Fame is at the door,
and you keep her waiting.
You can't bring yourself to accept
the reward of your worry?
Hurry!
Let those pages begin to live -- show your face.
They will live on after you're gone in any case.
[tr. Bovie (1970)]

Do you hesitate to let Fame in when she stands at your door? Are you reluctant to take the reward for your pains? Your pages will live after you; let them also begin to live through you. Glory comes late to the grave.
[tr. Shackleton Bailey (1993)]

Amos (above) provides a number of examples where the last line has inspired other writers. Byron wrote, in the same vein, in "Martial, Lib. I, Epig. I" (c. 1821):

He unto whom thou art so partial,
O reader! is the well-known Martial,
The Epigrammatist: while living
Give him the fame thou wouldst be giving;
So shall he hear, and feel, and know it --
Post-obits rarely reach a poet.

Kingsley, Charles -- The Good News of God, Sermon 4 “The Song of the Three Children (Daniel 3:16-18)” (1881)

Dave — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:41:59 +0000

Do not fancy, as too many do, that thou canst praise God by singing hymns to Him in church once a week, and disobeying Him all the week long. … Dost thou fancy as the heathen do, that God needs to be flattered with fine words? or that thou wilt be heard for thy much speaking, and thy vain repetitions? He asks of thee works as well as words; and more, He asks of thee works first and words after.

Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) English clergyman, historian, essayist, novelist (pseud. "Parson Lot")
The Good News of God, Sermon 4 “The Song of the Three Children (Daniel 3:16-18)” (1881)

Beecher, Henry Ward -- In Henry Ward Beecher and Edna Dean Proctor, Life Thoughts: Gathered From the Extemporaneous Discourses of Henry Ward Beecher (1858)

Dave — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 18:27:18 +0000

A man should fear when he enjoys only what good he does publicly. Is it not the publicity, rather than the charity, that he loves?

Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman and orator
In Henry Ward Beecher and Edna Dean Proctor, Life Thoughts: Gathered From the Extemporaneous Discourses of Henry Ward Beecher (1858)

See Matthew.

Winfrey, Oprah -- “Words of the Week,” Jet (27 Oct 1986)

Dave — Fri, 13 May 2016 20:20:34 +0000

I live my life in celebration and in praise of the life I’m living. What you focus on expands. The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. The more you complain, the more you find fault, the more misery and fault you will have to find.

Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954) American TV personality, actress
“Words of the Week,” Jet (27 Oct 1986)

Shakespeare, William -- Macbeth, Act 4, sc. 2, l. 81ff (4.2.81-85) (1606)

Dave — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 13:17:58 +0000

LADY MACBETH: Whither should I fly?
I have done no harm. But I remember now
I am in this earthly world; where to do harm
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
Macbeth, Act 4, sc. 2, l. 81ff (4.2.81-85) (1606)

Eisenhower, Dwight David -- Speech, Guildhall, London (12 Jun 1945)

Dave — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:15:13 +0000

Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.

Dwight David Eisenhower (1890–1969) American general, US President (1953–61)
Speech, Guildhall, London (12 Jun 1945)

Gracián, Baltasar -- The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 295 (1647) [tr. Maurer (1992)]

Dave — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 15:10:43 +0000

You should show the least vanity about your greatest gifts. Content yourself with doing: leave saying to others.

[Afecte menos sus mayores eminencias. Conténtese con hacer, y deje para otros el decir.]

Baltasar Gracián y Morales (1601–1658) Spanish Jesuit priest, writer, philosopher
The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 295 (1647) [tr. Maurer (1992)]

(Source (Spanish)). Other translations:

Shew as little as thou canst thy most eminent qualities. Rest satisfied to doe, and leave it to others to talk of it.
[Flesher ed. (1685)]

The greater your exploits the less you need affect them: content yourself with doing, leave the talking to others.
[tr. Jacobs (1892)]

Real achievement needs no such affectation. Rest in accomplishment, and leave talk to others. Do, and do not brag.
[tr. Fischer (1937)]

Make the least ado about your greatest gifts. Be content to act, and leave the talking to others.
[Source]

Lamb, Charles -- “Table Talk, by the Late Elia,” London Athenaeum (4 Jan 1834)

Dave — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 13:57:01 +0000

The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident.

Charles Lamb (1775–1834) Welsh-English essayist
“Table Talk, by the Late Elia,” London Athenaeum (4 Jan 1834)

Johnson, Samuel -- The Rambler, #136 (6 Jul 1751)

Dave — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:21:37 +0000

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
The Rambler, #136 (6 Jul 1751)

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶148 (1665-1678) [tr. Bund/Friswell (1871)]

Dave — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:32:14 +0000

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

[Il y a des reproches qui louent, et des louanges qui médisent.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶148 (1665-1678) [tr. Bund/Friswell (1871)]

Present in the 1st ed. (1665). Also see Pope (1724).

(Source (French)). Other translations:

There are some who commend when they make account to reproach; and others whose praises are detractions.
[tr. Davies (1669), ¶166]

Some Censures are a Commendation, and some Commendations are no better than Scandal.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶149]

There are reproaches that praise, and praises that reproach.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶369; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶142]

There are reproaches which give praise, and there are praises which reproach.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶323]

There are reproaches which praise, and praises which convey satire.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶151]

Censure often praises, and praise as frequently censures.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶148]

Some reproaches are compliments, and some compliments slanders.
[tr. Stevens (1939), ¶148]

Hard words can be praise, and praises can be slander.
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶148]

There are reproaches that compliment, and compliments that disparage.
[tr. Kronenberger (1959), ¶148]

Some strictures can be compliments, and some compliments can be slanderous.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶148]

There are reproaches which praise, and praises which slander.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶148]

Pope, Alexander -- “Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot” (1734)

Dave — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:20:33 +0000

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.

Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English poet
“Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot” (1734)

Petit-Senn, Jean-Antoine -- (Attributed)

Dave — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 22:36:14 +0000

Let us believe neither half of the good people tell us of ourselves, nor half the evil they say of others.

Jean-Antoine Petit-Senn (1792–1870) French-Swiss poet
(Attributed)

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 338 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 27 May 2015 13:49:18 +0000

Neither praise, nor dispraise thy self; thy Actions will do it enough.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 338 (1725)

Burke, Thomas -- In T.P.’s Weekly (8 Jun 1928)

Dave — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:20:46 +0000

Watch how a man takes praise, and there you have the measure of him.

Thomas Burke (1886–1945) British author
In T.P.’s Weekly (8 Jun 1928)

Billings, Josh -- Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, “Stray Children” (1874)

Dave — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:54:47 +0000

Accepting praize that iz not our due iz not mutch better than tew be a receiver of stolen goods.

[Accepting praise that is not our due is not much better than to be a receiver of stolen goods.]

Icahn, Carl -- In “The Best Financial Advice I Ever Got (or Gave),” Wall Street Journal (6 Jan 2014)

Dave — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 12:32:56 +0000

When friends and acquaintances are telling you you are a genius, before you accept their opinion, take a moment to remember what you always thought of their opinions in the past.

Carl Icahn (b. 1936) American businessman and investor
In “The Best Financial Advice I Ever Got (or Gave),” Wall Street Journal (6 Jan 2014)

Porter, Cole -- “You’re the Top” (1934)

Dave — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:43:37 +0000

You’re the top!
You’re the Colosseum.
You’re the top!
You’re the Louvre Museum.
You’re a melody from a symphony by Strauss,
You’re a Bendel bonnet, a Shakespeare sonnet,
You’re Mickey Mouse.

You’re the Nile,
You’re the Tow’r of Pisa,
You’re the smile
On the Mona Lisa.
I’m a worthless check, a total wreck, a flop,
But if, baby, I’m the bottom
You’re the top!

Cole Porter (1891–1964) American composer and songwriter
“You’re the Top” (1934)

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms (1905)

Dave — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:46:17 +0000

We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don’t care for.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms (1905)

Steele, Richard -- Essay (1713-04-08), The Guardian, No. 24

Dave — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:22:29 +0000

Whenever you commend, add your reasons for doing so; it is this which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense from the flattery of sycophants and admiration of fools.

Richard Steele (1672–1729) Anglo-Irish writer, journalist, playwright, politician
Essay (1713-04-08), The Guardian, No. 24

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Journal (1840-05-06)

Dave — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:45:05 +0000

Every man supposes himself not to be fully understood or appreciated.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
Journal (1840-05-06)

Bulwer-Lytton, Edward George -- Letter to F. T. Mappin (25 Sep 1855)

Dave — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 16:08:10 +0000

For I know not why we should delay our tokens of respect to those who deserve them, until the heart that our sympathy could have gladdened has ceased to beat. As men cannot read the epitaphs inscribed upon the marble that covers them, so the tombs that we erect to virtue often only prove our repentance that we neglected it when with us.

Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803–1873) English novelist and politician
Letter to F. T. Mappin (25 Sep 1855)

Quoted in The Illustrated London News, Vol. 27 (6 Oct 1855)

Allen, Elizabeth Akers -- “Until Death”

Dave — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:20:30 +0000

Carve not upon a stone when I am dead,
The praises which remorseful mourners give
To women’s graves — a tardy recompense,
But speak them while I live.

Elizabeth Chase Akers Allen (1832–1911) American author, journalist, poet [pseud. Florence Percy]
“Until Death”

Published anonymously in William Cullen Bryant (ed.), A New Library of Poetry and Song (1876)

Narosky, Jose -- Si Todos Los Sueños (1993)

Dave — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:52:11 +0000

We protest against unjust criticism, but we accept unearned applause.

José Narosky (b. 1930) Argentine aphorist and writer
Si Todos Los Sueños (1993)

Johnson, Samuel -- Essay (1758-10-07), The Idler, No. 25

Dave — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:40:50 +0000

He that applauds him who does not deserve praise, is endeavoring to deceive the public; he that hisses in malice or sport, is an oppressor and a robber.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1758-10-07), The Idler, No. 25

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 183 (1820)

Dave — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:47:56 +0000

When the million applaud you, seriously ask yourself what harm you have done; when they censure you, what good!

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 183 (1820)

Burgh, James -- The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Dave — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:13:31 +0000

Never fish for praise; it is not worth the bait.

James Burgh (1714–1775) British politician and writer
The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Burgh, James -- The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Dave — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:18:50 +0000

Praise your friends, and let your friends praise you.

James Burgh (1714–1775) British politician and writer
The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Tocqueville, Alexis de -- Democracy in America, Vol. 2, sec. 3, ch. 16 (1840)

Dave — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:02:31 +0000

The Americans, in their intercourse with strangers, appear impatient of the smallest censure and insatiable of praise.

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859) French writer, diplomat, politician
Democracy in America, Vol. 2, sec. 3, ch. 16 (1840)

Seneca the Younger -- Moral Essays, “De moribus,” 76

Dave — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:38:51 +0000

Do not be hasty to praise or blame; speak always as though you were giving testimony before the judgment seat of the gods.

Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC-AD 65) Roman statesman, philosopher, playwright [Lucius Annaeus Seneca]
Moral Essays, “De moribus,” 76

Steele, Richard -- Essay (1709-11-02), The Tatler, No. 89

Dave — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 13:21:37 +0000

There is no Pleasure like that of receiving Praise from the Praiseworthy.

Richard Steele (1672–1729) Anglo-Irish writer, journalist, playwright, politician
Essay (1709-11-02), The Tatler, No. 89

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 218 (1820)

Dave — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:04:08 +0000

There are two modes of establishing our reputation; to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues. It is best, however, to secure the former, because it will be invariably accompanied by the latter.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 218 (1820)

Jefferson, Thomas -- Letter (1813-06-19) to Matthew Carey

Dave — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:02:36 +0000

A fair & honest narrative of the bad is a voucher for the truth of the good.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)
Letter (1813-06-19) to Matthew Carey

In the original, spelled "Mathew Carey"; in some sources, misidentified as "Matthew Carr."

Chesterfield (Lord) -- Letter to his son, #225 (17 May 1750)

Dave — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:02:11 +0000

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Lord Chesterfield (1694–1773) English statesman, wit [Philip Dormer Stanhope]
Letter to his son, #225 (17 May 1750)

Tolkien, J.R.R. -- The Lord of the Rings, Vol. 3: The Return of the King, Book 6, ch. 4 “The Steward and the King” [Gandalf] (1955)

Dave — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:36:39 +0000

Many folk like to know beforehand what is to be set on the table; but those who have laboured to prepare the feast like to keep their secret; for wonder makes the words of praise louder.

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) English writer, fabulist, philologist, academic [John Ronald Reuel Tolkien]
The Lord of the Rings, Vol. 3: The Return of the King, Book 6, ch. 4 “The Steward and the King” [Gandalf] (1955)

Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Sr. -- Article (1858-10), “The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table,” Atlantic Monthly

Dave — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:31:49 +0000

You may set it down as a truth which admits of few exceptions, that those who ask your opinion really want your praise, and will be contented with nothing less.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) American poet, essayist, scholar
Article (1858-10), “The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table,” Atlantic Monthly

Collected in The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, ch. 12 (1858)

Herbert, George -- Jacula Prudentum, or Outlandish Proverbs, Sentences, &c. (compiler), # 155 (1640 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:06:49 +0000

Good words are worth much, and cost little.

George Herbert (1593–1633) Welsh priest, orator, poet.
Jacula Prudentum, or Outlandish Proverbs, Sentences, &c. (compiler), # 155 (1640 ed.)

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 6: 1ff (Matt 6:1–6) (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

Dave — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:47:50 +0000

Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

[Προσέχετε [δὲ] τὴν δικαιοσύνην ὑμῶν μὴ ποιεῖν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς· εἰ δὲ μή γε, μισθὸν οὐκ ἔχετε παρὰ τῷ πατρὶ ὑμῶν τῷ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.
Ὅταν οὖν ποιῇς ἐλεημοσύνην, μὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου, ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ ποιοῦσιν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς ῥύμαις, ὅπως δοξασθῶσιν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. σοῦ δὲ ποιοῦντος ἐλεημοσύνην μὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου, ὅπως ᾖ σου ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ· καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι.
Καὶ ὅταν προσεύχησθε, οὐκ ἔσεσθε ὡς οἱ ὑποκριταί, ὅτι φιλοῦσιν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς γωνίαις τῶν πλατειῶν ἑστῶτες προσεύχεσθαι, ὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. σὺ δὲ ὅταν προσεύχῃ, εἴσελθε εἰς τὸ ταμεῖόν σου καὶ κλείσας τὴν θύραν σου πρόσευξαι τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ· καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 6: 1ff (Matt 6:1–6) (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

No Synoptic parallels.

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
[KJV (1611)]

Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men's admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
[JB (1966)]

Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
[GNT (1976)]

Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention; otherwise you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven.
When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win human admiration. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
[NJB (1985)]

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
[NIV (2011 ed.)]

Beware of practicing your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them, for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- “Success,” Society and Solitude (1870)

Dave — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:56:55 +0000

Excellence is lost sight of in the hunger for sudden performance and praise.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
“Success,” Society and Solitude (1870)

Lincoln, Abraham -- Letter (1863-05-27) to Gen. John M. Schofield

Dave — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:45:37 +0000

If both factions, or neither, shall abuse you, you will probably be about right. Beware of being assailed by one and praised by the other.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)
Letter (1863-05-27) to Gen. John M. Schofield

On assigning him to the command of the Department of the Missouri, having removed the previous commander there because of his involvement on one side of local, factional politics.

Smith, Sydney -- Lecture (1804-1806), Moral Philosophy, No. 9 “On the Conduct of the Understanding,” Royal Institution, London

Dave — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:14:44 +0000

Among the smaller duties of life I hardly know any one more important than that of not praising where praise is not due.

Sydney Smith (1771–1845) English clergyman, essayist, wit
Lecture (1804-1806), Moral Philosophy, No. 9 “On the Conduct of the Understanding,” Royal Institution, London

Collected in Elementary Sketches of Moral Philosophy (1849).

Adams, John -- Essay (1790), “Discourses on Davila: A Series of Papers on Political History,” No. 4, Gazette of the United States

Dave — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:44:12 +0000

There is none among them more essential or remarkable, than the passion for distinction. A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows, is one of the earliest, as well as keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of men. […] Wherever men, women, or children, are to be found, whether they be old or young — rich or poor — high or low — wise or foolish — ignorant or learned — every individual is seen to be strongly actuated by a desire to be seen, heard, talked of, approved and respected, by the people about him, and within his knowledge.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founder, statesman; US President (1797–1801)
Essay (1790), “Discourses on Davila: A Series of Papers on Political History,” No. 4, Gazette of the United States

Propertius -- Elegies, Book 2, Elegy 10, l. 5ff (2.10.5-6) [tr. Holcombe (2009)]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

And should I fail, my courage brings its commendation:
greatness aimed at is enough.

[Quod si deficiant vires, audacia certe
Laus erit: in magnis et voluisse sat est.]

Propertius (50–16 BC) Roman elegiac poet [Sextus Propertius]
Elegies, Book 2, Elegy 10, l. 5ff (2.10.5-6) [tr. Holcombe (2009)]

Talking specifically about writing epics about mighty themes and accomplishments.

Because of the corruption of manuscripts of Propertius and speculating from internal references, some 19th Century scholars (e.g., Lachmann) argued for a different division of the elegies into books, thus the translations here wich instead label this as Book 3, Elegy 1.

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

And if my powers of song should fail -- to dare were surely fame:
Enough that I have had the will; no higher praise I claim.
[tr. Cranstoun (1875), 3.1]

Courage in weighty works must power supply,
And praise be mine that I've the will to try.
[tr. Moore (1870), 3.1]

But if my powers fail me, at all events my courage will be meritorious: in great attempts even to have had the will is enough.
[tr. Gantillon (1884), 3.1]

And if my strength fail, at least my boldness will be a title of honour; in great enterprises, the very "I would" is enough.
[tr. Phillimore (1906)]

But should strength fail me, yet my daring shall win me fame: in mighty enterprises enough even to have willed success.
[tr. Butler (Loeb) (1912)]

If I have not the faculty, "The bare attempt would be praiseworthy."
"In things of similar magnitude
the mere will to act is sufficient."
[tr. Pound (1919), 5.1]

What though I fail? That I have dared aspire
should be enough. I shall have tried. What more?
[tr. Carrier (1963)]

But if my strength should fail, why then my temerity
Is sure of praise, for in matters of moment
The intention suffices.
[tr. Musker (1972)]

And should strength fail me, my daring at least will win me praise: in mighty projects even to have wished is enough.
[tr. Goold (Loeb) (1990)]

If strength be lacking, surely ambition will be praised;
The intention in great matters is enough.
[tr. Lee (1992)]

But if I lack the power, then surely my courage will be praised: it’s enough simply to have willed great things.
[tr. Kline (2001)]

What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination.
[Bartlett]

Catherine II (the Great) -- Letter (23 Aug. 1794)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

I praise loudly, I blame softly.

Catherine II (1762–1796) Russian empress [Catherine the Great; b. Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst]
Letter (23 Aug. 1794)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Blame-all and Praise-all are two blockheads.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Milne, A. A. -- Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 3 “Pooh and Piglet Go Hunting” (1926)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

“I have been Foolish and Deluded,” said Pooh, “and I am a Bear of No Brain at All.”
“You’re the Best Bear in All the World,” said Christopher Robin soothingly.

A. A. Milne (1882–1956) English poet and playwright [Alan Alexander Milne]
Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 3 “Pooh and Piglet Go Hunting” (1926)

Billings, Josh -- Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1870-02 (1870 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Flattery iz like colone water, tew be smelt ov, not swallered.

[Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt of, not swallowed.]

Josh Billings (1818–1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1870-02 (1870 ed.)

This passage can be originally found in column material, e.g., in the Middlesex County Journal (Massachusetts) (1969-07-10), "Sollum Thoughts":

Flattery is like kolone water, tew be smelt ov, not swallowed.

Hayes, Helen -- Reader’s Digest (1958)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about the success.

Helen Hayes (1900–1993) American actress
Reader’s Digest (1958)

Peters, Ellis -- Cadfael Chronicles No. 14, The Rose Rent, ch. 2 (1986)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

“God does indeed forbid,” said Radulfus dryly, “that we should make more of our virtues or our failings than is due. More than your due you shall not have of, neither praise nor blame.”

Ellis Peters (1913–1995) English writer, translator [pseud. of Edith Mary Pargeter, who also wrote under the names John Redfern, Jolyon Carr, Peter Benedict]
Cadfael Chronicles No. 14, The Rose Rent, ch. 2 (1986)

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 424 (1820)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 424 (1820)