QuoteProject
The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of great men.
William Hazlitt
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Fame is built on the achievements and sacrifices of those who came before us.

This quote by William Hazlitt reflects on the idea that the pursuit of fame and recognition is often built on the legacy of those who have made significant contributions, highlighting that greatness often comes at a cost. It suggests that while fame may shine brightly, it is rooted in the sacrifices and efforts of those great individuals who have passed away, implying a sense of reverence for their contributions and the transient nature of recognition.

Themes

FameGreatnessSacrificeLegacySuccess

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about achieving success, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of honoring past contributions.

More from William Hazlitt

Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
The world loves to be amused by hollow professions, to be deceived by flattering appearances, to live in a state of hallucination; and can forgive everything but the plain, downright, simple, honest truth.
William HazlittRead
Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.
William HazlittRead
We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.
William HazlittRead
There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to entertain for our firends. It is little better than a piece of quackery. The truth is, we think of them as we please, that is, as they please or displease us.
William HazlittRead
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.
William HazlittRead

Similar quotes

Just because I made it look easy doesn't mean that it was and you don't work hard and become a Hall of Famer without working day in and day out.
Ken Griffey, Jr.Read
No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.
Malcolm GladwellRead
The world was full of locked doors, and he had to get his hand on every key.
Orson Scott CardRead
We built this country by making things, by producing goods we could sell.
Barack ObamaRead
I feel that my fans have cultivated my talent and they continue to nurture me.
Lady GagaRead
Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.
Andrew CarnegieRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.