Most of the great results of history are brought about by discreditable means.
Interpretation
Great achievements often arise from questionable methods.
Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on the idea that throughout history, many significant accomplishments have not come from honorable or ethical means. This suggests a complex relationship between morality and success, highlighting that the ends can sometimes justify the means, regardless of the questionable nature of the methods employed.
In practice
During a debate about historical leaders, one might use this quote to illustrate how some leaders achieved greatness through unethical actions.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
It's undeniable that what we are taught as a culture to believe about disability is at odds with traditional notions of masculinity.
Monuments! what are they? the very pyramids have forgotten their builders, or to whom they were dedicated. Deeds, not stones, are the true monuments of the great.
The Assembly has witnessed over the last weeks how historical truth is established; once an allegation has been repeated a few times, it is no longer an allegation, it is an established fact, even if no evidence has been brought out in order to support it.
I hope I'm worthy in my dying. I hope I can maintain myself - that I wouldn't become pathetic and needy, and the worst part of myself come out in adversity. But I'm not afraid of it. It'd be such a silly thing to do! To ruin the life you have by fearing its ending.
The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: 'What good is it?
The old cathedrals are good, but the great blue dome that hangs over everything is better.
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