Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
The higher a man stands, the more the word vulgar becomes unintelligible to him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As one rises in moral or intellectual stature, they become less affected by base or vulgar behavior.
This quote by John Ruskin suggests that individuals who achieve a higher level of understanding or virtue find it increasingly difficult to relate to or comprehend the crudeness and coarseness of lower moral behavior. As one grows in wisdom and ethical standards, the things that once seemed normal or acceptable may become obscure or repugnant, highlighting the transformative nature of personal growth and enlightenment.
Themes
WisdomGrowthUnderstandingVulgarityMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage personal development.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes →In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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