Art is the daughter of freedom.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Ever building, building to the clouds, still building higher, and never reflecting that the poor narrow basis cannot sustain the giddy tottering column.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition can lead us to chase great heights without considering the stability of our foundations.
In this quote, Friedrich Schiller explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of lofty goals without a solid foundation. He warns that striving to reach great heights—represented by building higher and higher—can lead to instability if we do not take into account the limitations of what supports our aspirations, symbolized by the 'poor narrow basis' which may not be able to sustain such aspirations.
Themes
AmbitionFoundationGoalsStabilitySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech discussing the importance of planning and stability in business.
More from Friedrich Schiller
All quotes →There is no such thing as chance; and what seem to us merest accident springs from the deepest source of destiny.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing.
Friedrich SchillerRead
While the womanly god demands our veneration, the godlike woman kindles our love; but while we allow ourselves to melt in the celestial loveliness, the celestial self-sufficiency holds us back in awe.
Friedrich SchillerRead
As noble Art has survived noble nature, so too she marches ahead of it, fashioning and awakening by her inspiration. Before Truth sends her triumphant light into the depths of the heart, imagination catches its rays, and the peaks of humanity will be glowing when humid night still lingers in the valleys.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Wise to resolve, patient to perform.
Friedrich SchillerRead
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