Meaning & Analysis
The act of being good or morally upright is, in itself, a fulfilling and sufficient prize; one should not expect any external benefit or recognition for virtuous behavior.
Insights
Internal vs. External Validation
The proverb argues for moral autonomy, where ethical actions are performed for their own sake, not as a means to an end. The 'reward' is the internal satisfaction of aligning with one's own principles, free from the need for external approval.
Integrity as Fulfillment
Virtue is presented as a self-contained system. The reward is not a future prize but the immediate psychological state of integrity, peace of mind, and self-worth that accompanies a virtuous act.
Unconditional Morality
The proverb suggests that true moral strength is demonstrated when an individual acts virtuously without any promise of gain or fear of punishment, highlighting that the purest form of goodness is unconditional.
Classical and Stoic Philosophy
This proverb has deep roots in classical philosophy, particularly Stoicism, which holds that virtue is the only true good and is sufficient for happiness. Its adoption by Renaissance writers like Spenser and Shakespeare reflects the revival of these classical ideals, framing moral integrity as independent of external validation.
Psychology of Motivation
The proverb champions intrinsic motivation—acting from internal values—over extrinsic motivation, which relies on external incentives like praise or wealth. This aligns with modern psychological concepts that link intrinsic motivation to greater personal fulfillment and well-being.
Literary and Dramatic Resonance
Shakespeare masterfully explores this theme. In 'Coriolanus', the protagonist embodies the ideal by 'reward[ing] His deeds with doing them', yet his inability to reconcile this internal code with public expectations leads to his downfall, illustrating the social and political complexities of the principle.
Critique of Materialism
In a world often driven by transactional logic, the proverb serves as a powerful critique of materialism. It posits a non-material value system where the ultimate 'profit' is a clear conscience and self-respect, rather than tangible gain.
Rhetorical Devices
Paradox
The proverb uses a paradox by defining an action ('virtue') as its own consequence ('reward'), challenging the conventional understanding of a reward as something external to the deed itself.
Epigrammatic Structure
Its concise and balanced structure ('X is its own Y') gives it an epigrammatic quality, making it memorable and authoritative as a universal moral maxim.
Abstract Diction
The use of abstract nouns like 'virtue' and 'reward' elevates the saying from a specific observation to a timeless philosophical principle applicable to all human conduct.
Transcription
Quotations
Your vertue selfe her owne reward shall breed, Euen immortall praise, and glory wyde.
Vertue unto it selfe a shure reward.
For just worth never rests on popu-lar frown, To have done well is fair deeds’ only crown. [c.1619]
Good deeds being ever in themselves rewarded.
As, in virtuous actions, The undertaker finds a full reward.
Good deeds reward themselves.
The Art will (both for the pleasure and profit of it) prove like to Vertue, a reward to itself.
Virtue bears witness to herself, and unto herself is a reward.
[She] was honest of her own inclination, and upon this notion, that virtue was its own reward.
Shakespeare Citations
The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it pays itself.
His honesty rewards him in himself; It must not bear my daughter.
[He] rewards His deeds with doing them.
Cross References
- See Otto, no. 1908
- Pf., no. 142.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.