O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People assess their own potential differently than how others assess their achievements.
This quote highlights the difference in self-perception and external judgment. Individuals often base their self-worth on their aspirations and capabilities, viewing themselves through the lens of what they believe they can achieve. In contrast, those around them often judge them based on past actions and accomplishments. This discrepancy can lead to feelings of inadequacy and misunderstanding in personal assessments versus public perceptions.
Themes
Self-JudgmentExternal PerceptionCapabilityAchievementSelf-Worth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-assessment and growth.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes βThere are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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