"No truly great person ever thought themselves so"
- William Hazlitt
About this Quote
This quote by William Hazlitt speaks with the concept that real greatness is not something that can be attained through self-aggrandizement. Instead, it is something that is recognized by others and is based on the actions and achievements of a person. It suggests that those who are truly great do not think of themselves as such, but rather are simple and acknowledge that their achievement is something that has been bestowed upon them by others. This quote encourages us to strive for success, but to also stay simple and acknowledge that it is something that is made through effort and dedication. It also works as a pointer that real success is not something that can be attained through arrogance or self-promotion, however rather through humility and a genuine desire to make a positive influence on the world.
"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"