Bells call others, but themselves enter not into the Church.
George HerbertRead
There would be no great men if there were no little ones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Greatness is defined by the contrast with smaller achievements and individuals.
This quote emphasizes the idea that greatness is relative and cannot exist in isolation. Without smaller achievements and individuals, the concept of greatness loses its meaning, as it is through comparison and contrast that we recognize and appreciate significant accomplishments and the contributions of those who may seem lesser.
Themes
GreatnessSmallnessComparisonAchievementContrast
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about teamwork, you could say, 'There would be no great men if there were no little ones.'
More from George Herbert
All quotes βThe wine in the bottle does not quench thirst.
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Living well is the best revenge.
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Be not too presumptuously sure in any business; for things of this world depend on such a train of unseen chances that if it were in man's hands to set the tables, still he would not be certain to win the game.
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There is an hour wherein a man might be happy all his life, could he find it.
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For want of a naile the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.
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