Those things which it is glorious to receive, such as military decorations or public offices, and whatever else gains in value the more widely it is known, should be conferred in public; on the other hand, when they do not promote a man or add to his social standing, but help him when in weakness, in want, or in disgrace, they should be given silently, and so as to be known only to those who profit by them.
Where these words come from
- Lots of sources credit Seneca with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3794/pg3794-images.html
More from Seneca
See allFor sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.
SenecaAll art is but imitation of nature.
SenecaIt is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
SenecaMen learn while they teach.
SenecaIt is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.
SenecaNo good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.
Seneca
SenecaAll art is but imitation of nature.
SenecaIt is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
SenecaMen learn while they teach.
SenecaIt is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.
SenecaNo good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.
SenecaMore on kindness
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
William Shakespeare
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
William Shakespeare