A great man is always willing to be little.
Interpretation
True greatness involves humility and the willingness to embrace smallness.
This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the idea that true greatness is not defined by one's stature or achievements, but rather by the capacity to be humble and approachable. It suggests that great individuals do not shy away from humility, and their willingness to be 'little' or modest allows them to connect better with others and contribute positively to their communities.
In practice
During a leadership workshop, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of humility in effective leadership.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
Past certain ages or certain wisdoms it is very difficult to look with wonder; it is best done when one is a child; after that, and if you are lucky, you will find a bridge of childhood and walk across it.
Playing the game I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me an understanding of futility of the human effort.
Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.
Take care of yourself - you never know when the world will need you.
Of all the paths a man could strike into, there is, at any given moment, a best path .. A thing which, here and now, it were of all things wisest for him to do .. To find this path, and walk in it, is the one thing needful for him.
Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.