Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
The first test of a truly great man is his humility. By humility I don't mean doubt of his powers or hesitation in speaking his opinion, but merely an understanding of the relationship of what he can say and what he can do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness is defined by humility, which involves understanding one's abilities without underestimating them.
In this quote, John Ruskin emphasizes that a truly great person demonstrates humility not through self-doubt or lack of confidence, but through a realistic understanding of their abilities and the impact of their words and actions. This recognition of one's strengths and limitations allows for a balanced approach to leadership and influence, suggesting that greatness is rooted in self-awareness and responsibility.
Themes
HumilityGreatnessSelf-AwarenessLeadershipWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, one could use this quote to discuss the importance of humility in effective leadership.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes →In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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