"Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying his torturer but not of keeping his temper"

This quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton speaks to the concept that humans are capable of fantastic accomplishments of guts and strength, but frequently do not have the ability to maintain a level of self-discipline in daily life. Chesterton recommends that human beings are capable of remarkable acts of bravery, such as defying a torturer, but do not have the capability to keep a level of composure in more mundane situations. This talks to the idea that people can great accomplishments of nerve and strength, but frequently do not have the ability to preserve a level of self-control in everyday life. It also indicates that humans are most likely to act out of impulse than out of factor, and that they are more likely to be driven by their feelings than by their intelligence. Ultimately, Chesterton's quote suggests that human beings can fantastic acts of nerve and strength, but lack the capability to keep a level of composure in more mundane circumstances.