Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity; it is that which gives value to every character. The ignorant peasant, without fault, is greater than the philosopher with many; for what is genius or courage without a heart?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Integrity is essential for true value and character, outweighing knowledge or talent.
In this quote, Oliver Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of integrity as the foundation of true character. He suggests that even a simple, uneducated person with integrity holds more value than a knowledgeable philosopher who lacks moral principles. The quote challenges the notion that intellect or bravery are the most important attributes, highlighting instead the necessity of having a virtuous heart.
Themes
IntegrityCharacterWisdomHeartHonor
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about leadership, you might say, 'As Oliver Goldsmith noted, both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity.'
More from Oliver Goldsmith
All quotes →A mind too vigorous and active, serves only to consume the body to which it is joined.
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Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.
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Whatever the skill of any country may be in the sciences, it is from its excellence in polite learning alone that it must expect a character from posterity.
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Life at the greatest and best is but a froward child, that must be humored and coaxed a little till it falls asleep, and then all the care is over.
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Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,_x000D_ _x000D_ Adorns and cheers our way;_x000D_ _x000D_ And still, as darker grows the night,_x000D_ _x000D_ Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
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