A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
When a great man has some one object in view to be achieved in a given time, it may be absolutely necessary for him to walk out of all the common roads.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To achieve significant goals, one may need to take unconventional paths and make sacrifices.
Edmund Burke's quote highlights the necessity for exceptional individuals, or 'great men', to deviate from the ordinary and commonly accepted paths in pursuit of their ambitious objectives. It suggests that striving for greatness often requires bold decisions and a willingness to abandon familiar routes, emphasizing vision and determination in the face of challenges.
Themes
SuccessGreatnessDeterminationUnconventionalObjectives
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing one's dreams.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes →To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
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Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
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The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
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Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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