The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Our grand business undoubtedly is, not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on taking action in the present rather than being distracted by distant uncertainties.
This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing immediate tasks and responsibilities over abstract or distant goals that may seem unclear or overwhelming. Carlyle encourages us to concentrate on what is directly in front of us, suggesting that clarity and action in the present are far more valuable than getting lost in distant aspirations.
Themes
ActionPresentMotivationClarityFocus
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to a team, reminding them to tackle their current tasks.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes →Thirty millions, mostly fools.
Thomas CarlyleRead
There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
Thomas CarlyleRead
For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
Thomas CarlyleRead
Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
Thomas CarlyleRead
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