QuoteProject
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.
Saint Augustine
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True greatness is built on a foundation of humility and self-awareness.

In this quote, Saint Augustine emphasizes the importance of humility as a prerequisite for achieving greatness. He suggests that those who aspire to build something significant must first establish a strong foundation of modesty and self-reflection, implying that true success and high aspirations are only sustainable when grounded in genuine humility.

Themes

GreatnessHumilityFoundationWisdomSuccess

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire young leaders.

More from Saint Augustine

The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint AugustineRead
Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
Saint AugustineRead
Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
Saint AugustineRead
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
Saint AugustineRead
Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
Saint AugustineRead

Similar quotes

In regards to this great Book [the Bible], I have but to say it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are found portrayed in it.
Abraham LincolnRead
To know in war how to recognize an opportunity and seize it is better than anything else.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
The more I like me, the less I want to pretend to be other people.
Jamie Lee CurtisRead
For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.
LaoziRead
Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you - to make you realise that you are a part of Spirit and that just behind the sparks of your life is the Flame of Infinity.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
People are never more insecure than when they become obsessed with their fears at the expense of their dreams.
Norman CousinsRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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