It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-improvement is essential before seeking to improve one's external circumstances.
William Ellery Channing emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-betterment as a prerequisite to making changes in oneβs life situation. To achieve true progress, an individual must first focus on improving their character, mindset, and values, which will inherently reflect in their efforts to better their external conditions. This quote serves as a reminder that impactful change starts from within.
Themes
Self-ImprovementGrowthCharacterChangeLife
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational seminar about personal development.
More from William Ellery Channing
All quotes βNo power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.
William Ellery ChanningRead
I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
William Ellery ChanningRead
We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.
William Ellery ChanningRead
He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Similar quotes
There are many things which we can afford to forget which it is yet well to learn.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.Read
Happy is the man who can endure the highest and lowest fortune. He who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity has deprived misfortune of its power.
Seneca The YoungerRead
[T]omorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well & serenely, & with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day ... is too dear with its hopes & invitations to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Breach of promise is a base surrender of truth.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Be sure that someday you'll praise and thank God for your unanswered prayers that once you had wept for them.
Shams TabriziRead
To err is human; to forgive people and yourself for poor behavior is to be sensible and realistic.
Albert EllisRead