We often fancy that we suffer from ingratitude, while in reality we suffer from self-love.
Walter Savage LandorRead
Those who are quite satisfied sit still and do nothing; those who are not quite satisfied are the sole benefactors of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being discontent can drive innovation and progress, while complacency leads to stagnation.
This quote suggests that true progress and improvement in the world come from those who are not fully satisfied with the status quo. It highlights that while some individuals may be content and inactive, it is the dissatisfaction of others that inspires action and fosters change, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Themes
SatisfactionProgressInnovationDiscontentAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about driving change in the workplace.
More from Walter Savage Landor
All quotes βThe writing of the wise are the only riches our posterity cannot squander.
Walter Savage LandorRead
Death stands above me, whispering low I know not what into my ear; Of his strange language all I know Is, there is not a word of fear.
Walter Savage LandorRead
We listen to those whom we know to be of the same opinion as ourselves, and we call them wise for being of it; but we avoid such as differ from us.
Walter Savage LandorRead
Life and death appear more certainly ours than whatsoever else; and yet hardly can that be called ours, which comes without our knowledge, and goes without it.
Walter Savage LandorRead
I strove with none, for none was worth my strife. Nature I loved and, next to Nature, Art: I warm'd both hands before the fire of life; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.
Walter Savage LandorRead
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