quotations about nobility
Nobility is not everyone's concern as goodness is. It is "uncommon"; it is always and necessarily common to few. As a claim it is not directed to all, at least not immediately and not in the same way, but only to those who are already in some way morally outstanding; it separates its chosen ones, raises them up--not according to human estimation but according to their own ethical being, their own moral greatness or strength. For its demand is itself uncommon.
NICOLAI HARTMANN
Moral Values
Nobility is often no more than the inner aspect which our egotistical feelings assume when we have not yet named and classified them.
MARCEL PROUST
Within a Budding Grove
We like to admit to only that which already glows, although it is nobler to support brightness before it glows, not afterwards.
DEJAN STOJANOVIC
The Sun Watches the Sun
For it is not right that a noble man should take pleasure when the pleasure is not right.
SOPHOCLES
fragment, Phaedra
True nobility scorns to trample upon a worm, or sneak to an emperor.
SAADI
attributed, Day's Collacon
Here noble thoughts, like noble deeds, the noble toil shall win,
Though empty folly still shall flee the generous wealth within,
And vanity shall bow the knee where idiocy has gold,
The homage of the noble heart is not so lightly sold.
ANONYMOUS
"Glimpses in the Mountains"
Very little of what he learned of people's actions began or ended with either the noble ideals or the fiendish wickedness he had been taught lay behind all great struggles. There was something comforting in this.
DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM
Acacia
Men of noble birth, are noted to be envious towards new men, when they rise. For the distance is altered, and it is like a deceit of the eye, that when others come on, they think themselves, go back.
FRANCIS BACON
"Of Envy", The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral
One finds nobility in the oddest places.
CASSANDRA CLARE
Clockwork Prince
Nobility without virtue is a fine setting without a gem.
JANE PORTER
attributed, Day's Collacon
Nobility and worth are to be found only among the few, but their opposite among the many; for there is not one man of merit and high spirit in a hundred, while there are many destitute of both to be found everywhere.
ARISTOTLE
attributed, Day's Collacon
Oddly enough, only when Nobility is removed do some people ever come to miss it. It is an acquired taste, after all.
TIM DANIEL
The Pursuit of Nobility: Living a Life That Matters
Nobility is a river that sets with a constant and undeviating current, directly into the great Pacific Ocean of Time; but, unlike all other rivers, it is more grand at its source, than at its termination.
CHARLES CALEB COLTON
Lacon
We will speak of nobility, first as a portion of an estate, then as a condition of particular persons. A monarchy, where there is no nobility at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as that of the Turks. For nobility attempers sovereignty, and draws the eyes of the people, somewhat aside from the line royal. But for democracies, they need it not; and they are commonly more quiet, and less subject to sedition, than where there are stirps of nobles. For men's eyes are upon the business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the persons, it is for the business' sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree. We see the Switzers last well, notwithstanding their diversity of religion, and of cantons. For utility is their bond, and not respects. The united provinces of the Low Countries, in their government, excel; for where there is an equality, the consultations are more indifferent, and the payments and tributes, more cheerful. A great and potent nobility, addeth majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth power; and putteth life and spirit into the people, but presseth their fortune. It is well, when nobles are not too great for sovereignty nor for justice; and yet maintained in that height, as the insolency of inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come on too fast upon the majesty of kings. A numerous nobility causeth poverty, and inconvenience in a state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides, it being of necessity, that many of the nobility fall, in time, to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of disproportion, between honor and means.
SIR FRANCIS BACON
"Of Nobility", Essays, or Counsels Civil and Moral
Your nobility looms up like a high mountain,
Too high for others to attain to;
But they may breathe the rare fragrance
That your soul imparts.
LI BAI
"To Meng Hao-Jan"
Talent and worth are the only eternal grounds of distinction; to these the Almighty has affixed His everlasting patent of nobility.
MISS SEDGWICK
attributed, Day's Collacon
A man that is noble is only an image of God.
LUDWIG TIECK
attributed, Day's Collacon
Having problems doesn't make you noble or virtuous, it makes you human. Nobility and virtue comes from the way that you handle your problems and either learn to move past them or live with them if out of your control.
OLI ANDERSON
Personal Revolutions: A Short Course in Realness
Nobility is the irregularity that runs through the base material of humanity. The base material is the way in which humans normally behave. Without the contrast, there would be nothing interesting to talk about. Without the pale blue sky behind it, a rainbow would not stand out. The rainbow does not resent the sky; it uses it to put on a spectacular display.
TIM DANIEL
The Pursuit of Nobility: Living a Life That Matters
Nobility does not consist in dignity and ancient lineage, nor great revenues, lands, or possessions; but in wisdom, knowledge, and virtue, which in man is true nobility, and this nobility bringeth man to dignity.
ANACHARSIS
attributed, Day's Collacon