QuoteProject
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
William Arthur Ward
ShareWTF𝕏

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

The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
William Arthur WardRead
Four 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

When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
Samuel JohnsonRead
A wise man should so write (though in words understood by all men) that wise men only should be able to commend him.
Thomas HobbesRead
I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
He who is virtuous is wise; and he who is wise is good; and he who is good is happy.
BoethiusRead
Affliction comes to us all, not to make us sad, but sober; not to make us sorry, but to make us wise; not to make us despondent, but by its darkness to refresh us as the night refreshes the day; not to impoverish, but to enrich us
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There is no avoidance in delay.
AeschylusRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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