Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.
Samuel SmilesRead
The career of a great man remains an enduring monument of human energy. The man dies and disappears, but his thoughts and acts survive and leave an indelible stamp upon his race.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great individuals leave a lasting legacy through their contributions and ideas, outliving their physical existence.
This quote by Samuel Smiles emphasizes that while a great man's physical presence may vanish with death, the impact of his ideas and actions continues to resonate through time, shaping the lives and thoughts of future generations. It highlights the significance of one's contributions to humanity, suggesting that true greatness is measured by the enduring effect one has on society.
Themes
LegacyImpactGreatnessIdeasEndurance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech about achieving greatness in one's career.
More from Samuel Smiles
All quotes →Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel SmilesRead
Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
Samuel SmilesRead
An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.
Samuel SmilesRead
If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower.
Samuel SmilesRead
The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.
Samuel SmilesRead
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I felt rich when I was 20 years old and my wife was paying my bills. Just being in a band, I've always felt blessed.
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I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.
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