"A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things, but cannot receive great ones"
- Lord Chesterfield
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Chesterfield speaks with the idea that those with a weak mind are unable to understand or value the bigger photo. They are so focused on the small details that they are not able to see the larger context. It resembles a microscope, which can amplify the little details, but is not able to take in the larger photo. This quote is a suggestion to focus on the bigger picture and not get bogged down in the little details. It is very important to be able to go back and look at the bigger photo in order to make informed choices. It is likewise crucial to be able to recognize when something is too little to be of any real value. A weak mind can be easily distracted by the small details and miss out on the bigger photo. It is very important to be able to acknowledge when something is too little to be of any real importance and to be able to go back and take a look at the bigger picture in order to make educated decisions.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"