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Unless we consent to lack the common things which men call success, we shall hardly become heroes or saints, philosophers or poets.

— John Lancaster Spalding Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

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More quotes by John Lancaster Spalding

There are faults which show heart and win hearts, while the virtue in which there is no love, repels.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

Since the mass of mankind are too ignorant or too indolent to think seriously, if majorities are right it is by accident.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

The disinterested love of truth which culture fosters is akin to the unselfishness which is a characteristic of the good.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

To think profoundly, to seek and speak truth, to love justice and denounce wrong is to draw upon one’s self the ill will of many.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

Perfection is beyond our reach, but they who earnestly strive to become perfect, acquire excellences and virtues of which the multitude have no conception.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

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We spend our lives fighting to get people very slightly more stupid than ourselves to accept truths that the great men have always known.

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To rank the effort above the prize may be called love.

Confucius

Greatness by nature includes a power, but not a will to power.

Martin Buber Between Man and Man (1965)

The weak shows his strength and hides his weaknesses; the magnificent exhibits his weaknesses like ornaments.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Lancaster Spalding (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.