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Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.
Benjamin Disraeli
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Moderation serves to balance ambition and success, offering comfort to those who feel lesser.

This quote by Benjamin Disraeli suggests that moderation is not just a personal trait but also a societal tool that can restrict the drive of ambitious individuals, while simultaneously providing solace to those who may feel inadequate in comparison to the great achievers. It highlights the dual role of moderation in both encouraging humility among the successful and fostering acceptance among the less fortunate.

Themes

ModerationVirtueAmbitionHumilitySociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a public speech about the importance of balance in life, one might say this quote to emphasize the need for moderation.

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