Smiling always with a never fading serenity of countenance, and flourishing in an immortal youth.
Isaac BarrowRead
We should allow others' excellences, to preserve a modest opinion of our own.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognizing and appreciating the talents of others helps maintain humility in ourselves.
This quote by Isaac Barrow emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing the achievements of others as a way to keep ourselves humble. By focusing on the qualities and excellences of those around us, we can avoid becoming arrogant and instead foster a more gracious and modest view of our own abilities.
Themes
HumilityExcellenceSelf-AwarenessModestyAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about teamwork, one might quote this to highlight the importance of recognizing each other's strengths.
More from Isaac Barrow
All quotes βThe reading of books, what is it but conversing with the wisest men of all ages and all countries.
Isaac BarrowRead
Because men believe not in Providence, therefore they do so greedily scrape and hoard. They do not believe in any reward for charity, therefore they will part with nothing.
Isaac BarrowRead
If men are wont to play with swearing anywhere, can we expect they should be serious and strict therein at the bar or in the church.
Isaac BarrowRead
That men should live honestly, quietly, and comfortably together, it is needful that they should live under a sense of God's will, and in awe of the divine power, hoping to please God, and fearing to offend Him, by their behaviour respectively.
Isaac BarrowRead
Nothing of worth or weight can be achieved with half a mind, with a faint heart, and with a lame endeavor.
Isaac BarrowRead
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