A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket.
Charles PeguyRead
Life holds only one tragedy, ultimately: not to have been a saint.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the significance of striving to be virtuous and morally upright.
Charles Peguy's quote conveys the idea that the greatest tragedy in life is not about facing external hardships or failures, but rather failing to live a life of virtue and moral excellence. It emphasizes the importance of aspiring to be a 'saint' β a person who embodies goodness, compassion, and integrity β as a measure of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Themes
TragedyVirtueMoralitySaintLifeMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about living a purposeful life.
More from Charles Peguy
All quotes βI prefer a saint with faults to a sinner with none.
Charles PeguyRead
Any father whose son raises his hand against him is guilty of having produced a son who raised his hand against him.
Charles PeguyRead
Love is rarer than genius itself. And friendship is rarer than love.
Charles PeguyRead
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