He was as great as a man can be without morality.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It criticizes a figure for having great ability but lacking moral integrity.
- In plain terms
- He was very capable but had no morals.
- What can you take from it?
- Greatness without morality is flawed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can great achievements justify immoral means?
- What defines a truly great leader?
Another view
It assumes morality is the only missing piece.
More from Alexis de Tocqueville
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Permalink to quote #38 History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.
Permalink to quote #40 Every central government worships uniformity: uniformity relieves it from inquiry into an infinity of details.
Permalink to quote #37
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