A steady patriot of the world alone, The friend of every country but his own.
George CanningRead
Away with the cant of 'Measures not men!'-the idle supposition that it is the harness and not the horses that draw the chariot along.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote argues that the effectiveness of actions depends on the people involved rather than just the methods or tools used.
George Canning's quote critiques the notion that success or failure is determined solely by the systems or methods in place ('Measures not men!'). Instead, he emphasizes the importance of the individuals ('horses') performing the tasks, suggesting that their abilities and character are what truly drive progress and achievement. This illustrates a broader philosophical viewpoint that human agency and qualities are paramount in any endeavor.
Themes
MeasuresMenHorsesEfficiencySuccessLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to discuss project failures, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of recognizing team members' contributions.
More from George Canning
All quotes βSimilar quotes
On the basis of the eternal will of God we have to think of EVERY HUMAN BEING, even the oddest, most villainous or miserable, as one to whom Jesus Christ is Brother and God is Father; and we have to deal with him on this assumption. If the other person knows that already, then we have to strengthen him in the knowledge. If he does no know it yet or no longer knows it, our business is to transmit this knowledge to him.
Karl BarthRead
If every small nation with a border dispute believes they can go ahead and launch a pre-emptive war and that it will be approved by the greatest power, that is a very dangerous thing.
Walter CronkiteRead
And I also see how this body influences external images: it gives back movement to them.
Henri BergsonRead
They felt that science would be corrosive to religious belief and they were worried about it. Damn it, I think they were right. It is corrosive to religious belief and it's a good thing.
Steven WeinbergRead
A man who could not see the end of his"provisional existence" was not able to aim at an ultimate goal in life.
Viktor E. FranklRead
Disobedience to conscience is voluntary; bad poetry, on the other hand, is usually not made on purpose.
C. S. LewisRead