Man is so constituted that he then only excels other things when he knows himself.
Interpretation
Self-knowledge is essential for true excellence and distinction beyond others.
This quote by Boethius emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in achieving greatness. It suggests that understanding oneself, one's strengths and weaknesses, is the key to surpassing others in any endeavor, as it allows one to harness their potential effectively and authentically.
In practice
A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the journey of self-discovery in personal development workshops.
And no renown can render you well-known:_x000D_ For if you think that fame can lengthen life _x000D_ By mortal famousness immortalized,_x000D_ The day will come that takes your fame as well,_x000D_ And there a second death for you awaits.
He who has calmly reconciled his life to fate, and set proud death beneath his feet, can look fortune in the face, unbending both to good and bad; his countenance unconquered.
Every man must be content with that glory which he may have at home.
For in all adversity of fortune the worst sort of misery is to have been happy.
I who once wrote songs with keen delight am now by sorrow driven to take up melancholy measures. Wounded Muses tell me what I must write, and elegiac verses bathe my face with real tears. Not even terror could drive from me these faithful companions of my long journey. Poetry, which was once the glory of my happy and flourishing youth, is still my comfort in this misery of my old age.
Contemplate the extent and stability of the heavens, and then at last cease to admire worthless things.
From childhood, we're trained to be a certain way, to behave a certain way - so that the power base can control us, really. And punk and drag are completely outside of that.
A nation without means of reform is without means of survival.
Your clothes conceal much of your beauty, yet they hide not the unbeautiful. And though you seek in garments the freedom of privacy, you may find in them a harness and a chain. Would that you could meet the sun and the wind with more of your body and less of your raiment.
And as far as I can see the world is too old for us to talk about it with our new words.
One cannot prescribe to anyone whether he should follow an ethic of absolute ends or an ethic of responsibility.
The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.