The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
William Arthur WardRead
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness stems from one's character and actions, not material wealth or status.
This quote emphasizes that the essence of greatness lies not in external markers such as wealth, influence, or social standing, but rather in the internal virtues of goodness, humility, and a commitment to serving others. It suggests that character is the true measure of a person's worth.
Themes
GreatnessHumilityCharacterServiceGoodness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development and self-improvement.
More from William Arthur Ward
All quotes βFour steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
William Arthur WardRead
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur WardRead
Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
William Arthur WardRead
Do more than be fair: be kind.
William Arthur WardRead
The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimists lend encouragement.
William Arthur WardRead
Similar quotes
There are occasions on which it is noble to dare to stand alone. To be pious among infidels, to be disinterested in a time of general venality, to lead a life of virtue and reason in the midst of sensualists, is a proof of a mind intent on nobler things than the praise or blame of men, of a soul fixed in the contemplation of the highest good, and superiour to the tyranny of custom and example.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Silence is an empty space, space is the home of the awakened mind.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.
PlutarchRead
I am a patient listener, but opinionated to the point of stubbornness when my mind is made up.
Walt DisneyRead
Predicting rain doesn't count. Building arks does.
Warren BuffettRead
For if we're destroyed, the knowledge is dead...We're nothing more than dust jackets for books...so many pages to a person.
Ray BradburyRead