Slavery is but half abolished, emancipation is but half completed, while millions of freeman with votes in their hands are left without education.
Robert Charles WinthropRead
The noblest contribution which any man can make for the benefit of posterity, is that of character. The richest bequest which any man can leave to the youth of his native land, is that of a shining, spotless example.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Character is the most valuable legacy one can leave for future generations.
This quote emphasizes the idea that the greatest gift a person can offer to future generations is his or her character. It implies that a life lived with integrity, virtue, and exemplary behavior serves as an inspiration and guiding example for the youth, influencing them to strive for similar values and conduct in their own lives.
Themes
CharacterLegacyExampleVirtueIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech, a speaker might use this quote to stress the importance of character over material wealth.
More from Robert Charles Winthrop
All quotes →Similar quotes
All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers... Each one owes infinitely more to the human race than to the particular country in which he was born.
Francois FenelonRead
A society whose members are united by the fact that they think in the same way in regard to the sacred world and its relations with the profane world, and by the fact that they translate these common ideas into common practices, is what is called a Church. In all history, we do not find a single religion without a Church.
Emile DurkheimRead
Beyond my anxiety, beyond this writing,_x000D_ the universe waits, inexhaustible, inviting.
Jorge Luis BorgesRead
My deep religiosity [...] found an abrupt ending at the age of twelve, through the reading of popular scientific books.
Albert EinsteinRead
War's a game, which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at.
William CowperRead
Church and State, Soul and Body, God and Man, are all one at Mont Saint Michel, and the business of all is to fight, each in his own way, or to stand guard for each other.
Henry AdamsRead