Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
In lazy apathy let stoics boast, their virtue fix'd: 't is fix'd as in a frost; contracted all, retiring to the breast; but strength of mind is exercise, not rest.
Interpretation
True strength of character comes from active effort and engagement, rather than passive complacency.
In this quote, Alexander Pope criticizes the stoic belief that virtue is a static state of being, suggesting instead that true strength of mind and character is cultivated through active engagement and effort. He contrasts the idea of virtue being fixed and unchanging, like frost, with the belief that personal strength emerges from exercising the mind and spirit rather than retreating into apathy.
In practice
During a motivational speech about personal growth, this quote can inspire the audience to take action.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.
When you've managed to stumble directly into the heart of the unknown - either through the misdirection of others, or better yet, through your own creative ineptitude - there is no one there to hold your hand or tell you what to do. In those bad lost moments, in the times when are advised not to panic, we own the unknown, and the world belongs to us. The child within has full reign. Few of us are ever so free
The tigers of wrath are wiser than the horses of instruction.
I'm an expert in higher level math. You + God = Enough
Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. Great faith must have great trials.
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