To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund BurkeRead
A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that small-minded individuals cannot effectively manage or contribute to a large and complex entity like an empire.
Edmund Burke's quote reflects the idea that the successful governance of a great empire requires vision, depth of thought, and the capacity to handle complexity. In contrast, those with limited perspective or understanding may struggle to navigate the challenges and responsibilities associated with leadership on such a grand scale. Therefore, the quote serves as a reminder of the necessity for wisdom and intelligence in positions of power.
In practice
In a discussion about leadership qualities for a successful organization.
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.
Behavior is a much better barometer of what you are than words.
What ever the course of our lives, we should recieve them as the highest gift from the hand of God, in which equally reposed the power to do nothing whatever for us. Indeed, we should accept misfortune not only in thanks, but in infinite gratitude to Providence, which by such means detaches us from an excessive love for Earthly things and elevates our minds to the celestial and divine.
Iβm losing my taste for everything, including even my taste for finding everything tasteless.
That low man seeks a little thing to do, Sees it and does it: This high man, with a great thing to pursue, Dies ere he knows it. That low man goes on adding one to one, His hundred's soon hit: This high man, aiming at a million, Misses an unit. That, has the world here-should he need the next, Let the world mind him! This, throws himself on God, and unperplext Seeking shall find Him.
The thoughts written on the walls of madhouses by their inmates might be worth publicizing.
Your belief in God is merely an escape from your monotonous, stupid and cruel life.
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