Great minds are to make others great. Their superiority is to be used, not to break the multitude to intellectual vassalage, not to establish over them a spiritual tyranny, but to rouse them from lethargy, and to aid them to judge for themselves.

Meaning

The quote reflects a simple truth about wisdom. It conveys that reflection reveals deeper truths, while hinting that mistakes teach valuable lessons.

Theme

The theme of wisdom appears frequently in reflections and literature. People return to it because people seek clarity and insight. Quotes on this topic often remind us that every moment can teach something.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to William Ellery Channing, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
reflection reveals deeper truths.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we learn from our experiences.