The age of Chivalry is gone. An age of Humanity has come.
Charles SumnerRead
The true greatness of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True greatness stems from individual qualities that contribute to the overall greatness of a nation.
This quote by Charles Sumner emphasizes that the true measure of a nation's greatness is not just in its wealth or power, but in the virtues and qualities of its individuals. It suggests that when individuals embody greatness—through attributes like integrity, kindness, and resilience—these qualities collectively uplift the nation, showcasing that the character of its people is what truly defines a country's stature in the world.
Themes
GreatnessNationIndividualQualitiesCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech to inspire community service and personal development.
More from Charles Sumner
All quotes →Can there be in our age any peace that is not honorable, any war that is not dishonorable?
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War is a positive, precise and specific evil, of gigantic proportions ...making within the sphere of its influence all true grandeur impossible.
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The true grandeur of humanity is in moral elevation, sustained, enlightened and decorated by the intellect of man
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No true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.
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Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace.
Charles SumnerRead
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