If I had inherited a fortune I should probably not have cast my lot with mathematics.
Joseph-Louis LagrangeRead
It has cost them but a moment to cut off that head; but a hundred years will not be sufficient to produce another like it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It suggests that while it may be easy to destroy something valuable, creating something of equal worth takes a long time and effort.
In this quote, Lagrange reflects on the ease with which one can eliminate a significant presence or figure, juxtaposed with the long and arduous process required to cultivate an equivalent. This speaks to the notion that destruction is often more straightforward than creation, emphasizing the value of talent, genius, and the hard work necessary to nurture greatness.
Themes
DestructionCreationValueGeniusEffort
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about innovation, one might say this quote to highlight the importance of nurturing talent.
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It seems that the necessary thing to do is not to fear mistakes, to plunge in, to do the best that one can, hoping to learn enough from blunders to correct them eventually.
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Alone-- it is wonderful how little a man can do alone! To rob a little, to hurt a little, and there is the end.
H. G. WellsRead
To realize that our knowledge is ignorance, This is a noble insight. To regard our ignorance as knowledge, This is mental sickness. Only when we are sick of the sickness Shall we cease to be sick. The Sage is not sick, being sick of sickness; This is the secret of health.
LaoziRead
Many things are lost for want of asking.
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I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.
Dalai LamaRead
We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers - but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change.
Katharine HepburnRead