proverb · Legacy record
It is better to deserve honor and not have it, than have it and do not deserve it.
It is better to deserve honor and not have it, than have it and do not deserve it.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Deserving honour without receiving it preferred to undeserved honour values conduct above recognition. The saying questions reputation treated as an achievement in itself.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading does not appoint a universal authority to decide who deserves esteem. A useful application examines fair conduct and evidence without dismissing recognition that is sincere. Lack of praise need not lower worth, and reputation should not provide immunity from accountability.
Everyday example
Someone continues a fair practice even when it receives little attention.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish integrity from public recognition.
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What it does not mean
No moral authority or immunity established through reputation is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Spain
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 892; PDF page 79; collection label: Spain
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Spain