"One would like to be grand and heroic, if one could; but if not, why try at all? One wants to be very something, very great, very heroic; or if not that, then at least very stylish and very fashionable. It is this everlasting mediocrity that bores me"
- Harriet Beecher Stowe
About this Quote
Harriet Beecher Stowe's quote speaks to the idea of pursuing greatness, even if it is not achievable. She suggests that if one can not be grand and heroic, then why try at all? She indicates that it is better to aim for something great, even if it is not possible, than to go for mediocrity. She reveals her contempt for mediocrity, suggesting that it is uninteresting and unfulfilling. She motivates people to strive for something greater than themselves, even if it is not possible. She suggests that it is much better to go for something excellent, even if it is not possible, than to go for mediocrity. Her words are a reminder that it is essential to pursue success, even if it is not possible, as it is much better than settling for mediocrity.
"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"