Let them hate me, provided they respect my conduct.

“Let them hate me, provided they respect my conduct.” Thus declared Tiberius, Emperor of Rome, a man both feared and mistrusted, yet one who grasped a truth as old as kingship itself: that the favor of men is fleeting, but the weight of conduct endures. In this saying lies the hard wisdom of rule and of life—that it is better to live with integrity, even in the face of hatred, than to buy false love with corruption or weakness.

The ancients knew well the peril of seeking love above all else. A ruler who craves affection may bend to every whim of the crowd, abandoning justice for popularity. But one who governs with steadfast conduct, though hated by some, will in time earn respect that hatred cannot erase. Tiberius, though not beloved by his people, understood this: that scorn dies with the moment, but the memory of uprightness endures through generations.

History offers us many examples of this truth. Consider Marcus Aurelius, who bore the burdens of plague and war. He was not adored by all; many cursed him for heavy taxes and ceaseless campaigns. Yet his conduct, guided by philosophy and duty, made him one of Rome’s most respected emperors. Hatred fell upon him in life, but history remembers him with reverence. He proved that respect outlives fleeting approval.

By contrast, Nero sought to be loved through spectacle and indulgence. He gave games, feasts, and gifts to win the crowd’s delight, but he betrayed his duty with cruelty and excess. In the end, his reign collapsed, his name became a curse, and even those who once cheered him spat upon his memory. Thus the lesson is clear: love without respect is worthless, but respect without love has power to endure.

O children of the future, mark these words: in your life, you will face those who hate you for the stands you take, for the truth you speak, for the path you choose. If you live to please all, you will lose yourself. But if you hold fast to honor, to truth, to righteous conduct, then though some may hate you, none can deny the dignity of your soul. Respect won through integrity is a fortress stronger than any fleeting affection.

The lesson is clear: pursue not the shallow prize of popularity, but the lasting treasure of respect. Let your actions be guided by principle, not applause. If hatred comes, let it be the hatred of those who scorn integrity, not the hatred of those you betrayed through falsehood. For in the end, when the noise of voices fades, it is only your conduct that remains as witness.

Therefore, let your practice be this: act with honor in all things. In leadership, in labor, in family, let your conduct shine even if it earns you enemies. Do not fear hatred, but fear the stain of dishonor. Remember that respect can exist without love, but love without respect is hollow.

So I say unto you: remember the wisdom of Tiberius. Let them hate you, if only they respect your conduct. For hatred is fleeting, but respect born of integrity endures beyond death, carried in the memory of men and the judgment of history.