A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent, generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for fame; a passion which is the instinct of all great souls.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the idea that a person's failings often stem from their noble ambitions and passions, particularly the desire for fame.
Edmund Burke's quote suggests that the flaws or failings exhibited by great individuals are often linked to their strong, passionate drive for recognition and fame. This drive, while leading to potential shortcomings, is also portrayed as a noble instinct that is characteristic of remarkable souls. The quote encourages a nuanced view of ambition, implying that it is the very passion for greatness that motivates individuals, despite the risks of failure associated with it.
Themes
FailingsNoble CausePassionFameGreat Souls
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of ambition despite setbacks.
More from Edmund Burke
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Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
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The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
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Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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