The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
Phillips BrooksRead
No one who has come to true greatness has not felt in some degree that his life belongs to the people, and what God has given them he gives it for mankind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness involves a sense of responsibility toward others and a commitment to serving humanity.
This quote emphasizes that individuals who achieve true greatness do so with an awareness that their abilities and successes are meant to benefit others. It suggests that greatness is not a solitary pursuit but a collective responsibility, where one's talents and resources are shared for the betterment of mankind, recognizing that an individual's purpose is intertwined with the welfare of society.
Themes
GreatnessServiceHumanityResponsibilitySelflessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, this quote can inspire volunteers to understand the importance of their work.
More from Phillips Brooks
All quotes →We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
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The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
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To believe in the God over us and around us and not in the God within us - that would be a powerless and fruitless faith.
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To say, 'well done' to any bit of good work is to take hold of the powers which have made the effort and strengthen them beyond our knowledge.
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Think of life as a voyage. The truest liver of the truest life is like a voyager who, as he sails, is not indifferent to all the beauty of the sea around him.
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