I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Actions are more valuable than sentiments.
This quote suggests that while positive feelings and sentiments are significant, they carry less weight than the impact of genuine actions. It highlights the importance of translating feelings into tangible deeds, emphasizing that love and beauty manifest most authentically through meaningful actions rather than mere words or thoughts.
Themes
ActionSentimentValueBeautifulDeeds
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of taking action.
More from James Russell Lowell
All quotes βThe foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.
James Russell LowellRead
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
James Russell LowellRead
Good luck is the willing handmaid of upright, energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.
James Russell LowellRead
Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
James Russell LowellRead
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.
James Russell LowellRead
Similar quotes
When you spring to an idea, and decide it is truth, without evidence, you blind yourself to other possibilities.
Robin HobbRead
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
AesopRead
Just know what is happening in your mind - not happy or sad about it, not attached. If you suffer see it, know it, and be empty. It's like a letter - you have to open it before you can know what's in it.
Ajahn ChahRead
In the end, I am quite normal. I don't have odd habits. I don't dramatize. Above all, I do not romanticize the act of writing. I don't talk about the anguish I suffer in creating. I do not have a fear of the blank page, writer's block, all those things that we hear about writers.
Jose SaramagoRead
Even if they don't know that you are practicing for them, you are helping them and in turn they are helping you. They are actively helping you to develop your compassion, and so to purify and heal yourself. For me, all dying people are teachers, giving to all those who help them a chance to transform themselves through developing their compassion.
Sogyal RinpocheRead
You forgive yourself for every failure because you are trying to do the right thing. God knows that and you know it. Nobody else may know it.
Maya AngelouRead