The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness is achieved through humility.
In this quote, Rabindranath Tagore emphasizes that true greatness is not measured by power or prominence but by humility. Only when we approach life with a humble attitude can we reach our full potential and connect with the greater aspects of existence, thus revealing the greatness within ourselves and others.
Themes
HumilityGreatnessWisdomSelflessnessCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about leadership, one might say, 'As Tagore wisely noted, we come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.'
More from Rabindranath Tagore
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The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.
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If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.
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To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.
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