Less glory is more liberty. When the drum is silent, reason sometimes speaks.
Albert PikeRead
He who endeavors to serve, to benefit, and improve the world, is like a swimmer, who struggles against a rapid current, in a river lashed into angry waves by the winds. Often they roar over his head, often they beat him back and baffle him. Most men yield to the stress of the current... Only here and there the stout, strong heart and vigorous arms struggle on toward ultimate success.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the challenges faced by those who strive to make a positive impact in the world, highlighting the need for strength and perseverance.
In this quote, Albert Pike uses the metaphor of a swimmer battling against a powerful current to illustrate the struggles faced by individuals who aim to serve and improve the world. Many people may give up when faced with adversity, but only those with a strong heart and determination continue to fight towards achieving their goals. This highlights the importance of resilience in the face of difficulties and the reward of ultimate success that comes with persistence.
Themes
ServiceStruggleResilienceSuccessPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing one's dreams despite challenges.
More from Albert Pike
All quotes →Let us drink together, fellows, as we did in days of yore. And still enjoy the golden hours that Fortune has in store; The absent friends remembered be, in all that’s sung or said, And Love immortal consecrate the memory of the dead.
Albert PikeRead
War is a series of catastrophes which result in victory.
Albert PikeRead
Two forms of government are favorable to the prevalence of falsehood and deceit. Under a Despotism, men are false, treacherous, and deceitful through fear, like slaves dreading the lash. Under a Democracy they are so as a means of attaining popularity and office, and because of the greed for wealth.
Albert PikeRead
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
Albert PikeRead
Philosophy is a kind of journey, ever learning yet never arriving at the ideal perfection of truth.
Albert PikeRead
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