Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.
Jean-Baptiste Henri LacordaireRead
Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that.
Interpretation
True greatness is measured by kindness, not by talent, recognition, or affection.
This quote suggests that the essence of a person's character and greatness is not defined by their intelligence, fame, or love they receive, but rather by their capacity for kindness. It implies that genuine virtue and the quality of one's soul are revealed in acts of compassion and empathy towards others.
In practice
This quote is perfect for emphasizing the importance of kindness in a speech at a community service event.
Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works.
I am a strong individualist by personal habit, inheritance, and conviction; but it is a mere matter of common sense to recognize that the State, the community, the citizens acting together, can do a number of things better than if they were left to individual action.
Daily, I examine myself in three areas. Have I done my best when doing things for others? Have I been trustworthy in my dealings with my friends? Have I revised the lessons I have been taught?
Doing for people what they can and ought to do for themselves is a dangerous experiment. In the last analysis, the welfare of the workers depends upon their own initiative. Whatever is done under the guise of philanthropy or social morality which in any way lessens initiative is the greatest crime that can be committed against the toilers. Let social busybodies and professional "public morals experts" in their fads reflect upon the perils they rashly invite under this pretense of social welfare.
If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?
There is no stability in this world. Who is to say what meaning there is in anything? Who is to foretell the flight of a word? It is a balloon that sails over tree-tops. To speak of knowledge is futile. All is experiment and adventure. We are forever mixing ourselves with unknown quantities. What is to come? I know not. But, as I put down my glass I remember; I am engaged to be married. I am to dine with my friends tonight. I am Bernard.
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