A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
There is a sort of enthusiasm in all projectors, absolutely necessary for their affairs, which makes them proof against the most fatiguing delays, the most mortifying disappointments, the most shocking insults; and, what is severer than all, the presumptuous judgement of the ignorant upon their designs.
Interpretation
Enthusiasm helps individuals endure challenges and criticisms while pursuing their goals.
This quote by Edmund Burke emphasizes the essential role of enthusiasm in the pursuit of one's projects. It suggests that true projectors—or creators and innovators—must possess an unwavering passion that shields them from delays, setbacks, and negative judgments from those who may not understand their vision. Such enthusiasm is portrayed as vital for overcoming the various obstacles that inevitably arise when striving for success.
In practice
In a speech about perseverance, a speaker could use this quote to illustrate the importance of maintaining enthusiasm in the face of adversity.
A great empire and little minds go ill together.
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
When God puts something in your heart and deep down you know it’s a destiny moment, don’t wait for ten confirmations. Do what God is asking you to do now.
There are going to be times when we can't wait for somebody. Now, you're either on the bus or off the bus.
I always knew I was a writer. And I always thought to myself, 'Well, why not me?' Someone has to be on the best-seller list, 'Why not me?' Someone has to write for the 'New Yorker,' 'Why not me?' And I didn't really get much positive reinforcement as a kid, so I thought, 'Well let me show you what I can do.'
No matter what's going on in our lives, the victory is in refusing to quit.
On our track to success, we have to fight the tendency to look at others and see how far they've come. The only thing that counts is how we use the potential we possess and that we run our race to the best of our abilities.
Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.
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