Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.
Anthony TrollopeRead
Nothing surely is as potent as a law that may not be disobeyed. It has the force of the water drop that hollows the stone. A small dainty task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the power of inevitable laws and the strength of consistent effort over sporadic actions.
In this quote, Anthony Trollope suggests that certain laws or principles are unbreakable and have immense influence, much like water that gradually wears down stone. He also highlights the effectiveness of consistent, small efforts over time, implying that steady dedication can achieve more than infrequent, forceful attempts, embodied by the metaphor of a 'spasmodic Hercules'.
Themes
LawConsistencyEffortPersistencePower
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about persistence in achieving personal goals.
More from Anthony Trollope
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That I can read and be happy while I am reading, is a great blessing.
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A man's love, till it has been chastened and fastened by the feeling of duty which marriage brings with it, is instigated mainly by the difficulty of pursuit.
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But she knew this,—that it was necessary for her happiness that she should devote herself to some one. All the elegancies and outward charms of life were delightful, if only they could be used as the means to some end. As an end themselves they were nothing.
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