Meaning: The quote "Command those that govern your house before all your household that they keep careful watch that all your household, within and without, be faithful, painstaking, chaste, clean, honest and profitable" is from Robert Grosseteste, an English statesman and scholastic philosopher who lived in the 13th century. Grosseteste was known for his contributions to various fields, including theology, philosophy, and politics. This quote reflects his views on the importance of good governance and leadership within the household.

In this quote, Grosseteste emphasizes the role of those in positions of authority within a household. He urges the leaders to take careful watch over all aspects of the household, ensuring that everyone within and outside the house embodies certain virtues. These virtues include faithfulness, diligence, chastity, cleanliness, honesty, and profitability. Grosseteste's words convey a sense of responsibility and accountability for those in leadership positions, as well as a concern for the well-being and moral conduct of the household as a whole.

One interpretation of this quote is that Grosseteste is advocating for the establishment of a virtuous and well-regulated household, where the leaders set an example and uphold certain standards for the rest of the household to follow. By commanding the governors to oversee the household in this way, Grosseteste is highlighting the importance of moral and ethical leadership in maintaining order and harmony within the domestic sphere.

Furthermore, Grosseteste's emphasis on profitability within the household suggests a practical concern for the economic well-being of the household. This aligns with the broader medieval understanding of the household as an economic unit, where the management of resources and finances was crucial for its stability and prosperity. Therefore, Grosseteste's inclusion of profitability alongside moral virtues indicates a holistic approach to household governance that encompasses both ethical conduct and material welfare.

In a broader historical context, Grosseteste's quote reflects the social and moral values of his time. The medieval period was characterized by a hierarchical social structure, and the household was a microcosm of this larger social order. The head of the household, often the male patriarch, held significant authority over its members and was responsible for its management. Grosseteste's exhortation to the governors of the household aligns with this hierarchical framework, emphasizing the role of leadership and oversight in maintaining the moral and practical well-being of the household.

Moreover, the emphasis on virtues such as faithfulness, chastity, and honesty reflects the Christian ethical framework that permeated medieval society. Grosseteste's quote can be seen as an expression of the Christian ideal of virtuous living, where individuals are called to uphold moral principles in their personal and communal lives. The household, as a fundamental unit of society, was expected to reflect these values, and the leaders of the household were charged with upholding and promoting them.

In conclusion, Robert Grosseteste's quote serves as a reflection of his beliefs regarding household governance and the virtues that should be upheld within it. It underscores the importance of ethical leadership, moral conduct, and economic prudence in maintaining a well-regulated and harmonious household. This quote provides insight into the social, moral, and economic values of the medieval period, as well as the expectations placed on household leaders to oversee and uphold these principles.