The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Of all the paths a man could strike into, there is, at any given moment, a best path .. A thing which, here and now, it were of all things wisest for him to do .. To find this path, and walk in it, is the one thing needful for him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that there is always an optimal choice in life, and it's vital to recognize and pursue it.
This quote by Thomas Carlyle suggests that in every moment of our lives, there exists a 'best path' or the most prudent course of action we can take. The essence of wisdom lies in our ability to identify this ideal choice and actively follow it, as it is crucial for personal fulfillment and growth.
Themes
PathWisdomChoiceActionLife
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could inspire someone making a tough career choice.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes →Thirty millions, mostly fools.
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There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
Thomas CarlyleRead
For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
Thomas CarlyleRead
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