QuoteProject
Example moves the world more than doctrine. The great exemplars are the poets of action, and it makes little difference whether they be forces for good or forces for evil.
Henry Miller
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Actions speak louder than words, showing the importance of example over mere theory.

This quote emphasizes that real change and influence come from actions rather than theoretical ideas or doctrines. Henry Miller suggests that those who exemplify their beliefs through action—whether positive or negative—are the true movers of the world, highlighting the impact of living examples in shaping society.

Themes

ActionExampleInfluenceChangeTheory

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to inspire young leaders.

More from Henry Miller

Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead

Similar quotes

It is very beautiful over there. (last words)
Thomas A. EdisonRead
Get work, get work; Be sure 'tis better than what you work to get.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
It 's wiser being good than bad; It 's safer being meek than fierce; It 's fitter being sane than mad. My own hope is, a sun will pierce The thickest cloud earth ever stretched; That after Last returns the First, Though a wide compass round be fetched.
Robert BrowningRead
Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return.
W. H. AudenRead
Have patience with the quarrelsomeness of the stupid. It is not easy to comprehend that one does not comprehend.
Marie Von Ebner-EschenbachRead
So it took an eight-year-old child to bring 'em to their senses.... That proves something - that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they're still human. Hmp, maybe we need a police force of children.
Harper LeeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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