QuoteProject
A great man does not seek applause or place; he seeks for truth; he seeks the road to happiness, and what he ascertains, he gives to others.
Robert Green Ingersoll
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

A true great man values truth and happiness over recognition, sharing his discoveries with others.

This quote emphasizes the importance of genuine pursuits in life, suggesting that a truly great individual is not motivated by fame or accolades, but rather by a quest for truth and happiness. By seeking these higher ideals, such a person contributes to the well-being of others, reflecting the selfless nature of true greatness.

Themes

GreatnessTruthHappinessSelflessnessGiving

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about the importance of selfless actions.

More from Robert Green Ingersoll

I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
Robert Green IngersollRead
If the guardians of society, the protectors of 'young persons,' could have had their way, we should have known nothing of Byron or Shelley. The voices that thrill the world would now be silent.
Robert Green IngersollRead
The religion that has to be supported by law is without value, not only, but a fraud and a curse. The religious argument that has to be supported by a musket is hardly worth making.
Robert Green IngersollRead
There is no slavery but ignorance.
Robert Green IngersollRead
In all ages the people have honored those who dishonored them. They have worshiped their destroyers; they have canonized the most gigantic liars, and buried the great thieves in marble and gold. Under the loftiest monuments sleeps the dust of murder.
Robert Green IngersollRead
I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead

Similar quotes

Your inner purpose is to awaken. It is as simple as that. You share that purpose with every other person on the planet - because it is the purpose of humanity.
Eckhart TolleRead
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.
William Ralph IngeRead
In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.
Robert CollierRead
You can't be hesitant about who you are.
Viola DavisRead
I don't let go of concepts -I meet them with understanding. Then they let go of me.
Byron KatieRead
Because ideas have to be original only with regard to their adaptation to the problem at hand, I am always extremely interested in how others have used used them.
Thomas A. EdisonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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

Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll | QuoteProject