Who said “One should be of service rather than be conspicuous.”?

Verified

Motto. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLatin motto; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 367

Evidence: archive.org · How we check

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“One should be of service rather than be conspicuous.”
— Motto
Original (Latin)

Prodesse quam conspici

VerifiedLatin motto; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 367 · evidenceService

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Latin motto; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 367.

APA

Motto (n.d.). One should be of service rather than be conspicuous. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37732-one-should-be-of-service-rather-than-be/

MLA

Motto. “One should be of service rather than be conspicuous.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37732-one-should-be-of-service-rather-than-be/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Motto. “One should be of service rather than be conspicuous.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37732-one-should-be-of-service-rather-than-be/.

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Original (Latin)

Hostis honori invidia

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“Rank imposes obligation.”
Original (French)

Noblesse oblige

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