“I am sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the applause of the world. Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive of our actions.”

— Pliny the Younger

Letter 8, 14.
Letters, Book I

Original

Meminimus quanto maiore animo honestatis fructus in conscientia quam in fama reponatur. Sequi enim gloria, non appeti debet.

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Pliny the Younger 50

Roman writer 61–113

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Screws up illustrious actions more, and more.
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Pliny the Younger (61–113) Roman writer

Letter 22, 5.
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“No nobler feeling than this of admiration for one higher than himself dwells in the breast of man.”

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“I am sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the applause of the world. Glory ought to be the consequence, not the motive of our actions.”

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Pliny the Younger 50

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