"No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men"

This quote by Thomas Carlyle speaks to the concept that a person's absence of belief in excellent men suggests their own smallness. It recommends that those who do not think in the success of others are unable to acknowledge success in themselves. This is a suggestion that achievement is not something that is attained alone, but rather something that is accomplished through the recognition and adoration of others. It is a pointer that achievement is something that is earned through effort and commitment, which those who do not acknowledge this are not able to acknowledge greatness in themselves. It is a pointer that success is something that is earned through regard and appreciation, and that those who do not recognize this are unable to recognize success in themselves. Ultimately, this quote acts as a suggestion that achievement is something that is earned through effort and dedication, which those who do not acknowledge this are not able to recognize achievement in themselves.