A quotation from Samuel Johnson

The vanity of being known to be trusted with a secret, is generally one of the chief motives to disclose it; for however absurd it may be thought to boast an honour by an act which shows that it was conferred without merit, yet most men seem rather inclined to confess the want of virtue than of importance, and more1 show their influence, though at the expense of their probity, than glide through lift with no other pleasure than the private consciousness of fidelity; which, while it is preserved, must be without praise, except from the single person who tries and knows it.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1750-05-01), The Rambler, No. 13

More about this quote: wist.info/johnson-samuel/2153/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #samueljohnson #boasting #ego #importance #pride #probity #promisekeeping #secret #trust #trustworthiness #vanity #virtue