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Think thou and act; to-morrow thou shalt die Outstretch'd in the sun's warmth upon the shore, Thou say'st: 'Man's measur'd path is all gone o'er: Up all his years, steeply, with strain and sigh, Man clomb until he touch'd the truth; and I, Even I, am he whom it was destin'd for.' How should this be? Art thou then so much more Than they who sow'd, that thou shouldst reap thereby?

Dante Gabriel Rossetti#19

EffortHistoryHumilityLegacySuccessWork

About this quote

What does it mean?
Do not claim superior destiny; you reap what others have sown over years of struggle.
In plain terms
You are not better than those before you; you just benefit from their hard work.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge the cumulative effort of those who came before.

Where it applies

  • success
  • career
  • legacy

Putting it to work

  • gratitude
  • teamwork

Questions to consider

  • Who paved your path?
  • How do you honor them?

Another view

It downplays individual innovation.

More from Dante Gabriel Rossetti

  1. Now while we speak, the sun speeds forth: can I Or thou assure him of his goal? God's breath Even at this moment haply quickeneth The air to a flame; till spir…

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. Nay, come up hither. From this wave-wash'd mound Unto the furthest flood-brim look with me; Then reach on with thy thought till it be drown'd. Miles and miles …

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Watch thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die.

    Permalink to quote #17

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