The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thomas CarlyleRead
A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness is reflected in how one treats those who are less powerful.
This quote emphasizes that the true measure of a person's greatness is not solely determined by their achievements or status, but is instead indicated by their treatment of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in lesser positions. A truly great individual displays their character through kindness, respect, and consideration for all, regardless of their societal standing.
Themes
GreatnessTreatmentKindnessHumilityCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, one might share this quote to discuss the importance of empathy in effective leadership.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes βThirty 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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A major reason capable people fail to advance is that they don't work well with their colleagues.
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