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
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.
In practice
During a leadership seminar, one might share this quote to discuss the importance of empathy in effective leadership.
The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thirty millions, mostly fools.
There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
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.
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
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.
All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself.
Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them.
I would have been glad to have lived under my wood side, and to have kept a flock of sheep, rather than to have undertaken this government.
The measure of a leader is not the number of people who serve him, but the number of people he serves.
Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.
What I always say is, 'Do every job you're in like you're going to do it for the rest of your life, and demonstrate that ownership of it.'
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