Visions of glory, spare my aching sight! Ye unborn ages, crowd not on my soul!
Thomas GrayRead
The applause of list'ning senates to command, The threats of pain and ruin to despise, To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land, And read their history in a nation's eyes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the qualities of a great leader who values the admiration of people, fears no threat, and seeks to benefit the nation.
In this quote, Thomas Gray expresses the ideal traits of a leader who is both respected and unyielding. The leader commands the attention and admiration of the people, remains undeterred by threats, and strives to create prosperity for the nation, all while being mindful of the legacy they leave behind in the collective memory of their citizens.
Themes
LeadershipNationHistoryProsperityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire young leaders in the community.
More from Thomas Gray
All quotes βHere rests his head upon the lap of earth, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown: Fair Science frown'd not on his humble birth, And Melancholy mark'd him for her own.
Thomas GrayRead
Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?
Thomas GrayRead
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
Thomas GrayRead
Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shade! Ah, fields beloved in vain! Where once my careless childhood stray'd, A stranger yet to pain! I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss bestow.
Thomas GrayRead
Any fool may write a most valuable book by chance, if he will only tell us what he heard and saw with veracity.
Thomas GrayRead
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He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
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