He had no failings which were not owing to a noble cause; to an ardent, generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for fame; a passion which is the instinct of all great souls.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Great flaws often come from noble passions like fame. This drive is instinctive for great souls.
- In plain terms
- Great people's faults often come from strong good passions.
- What can you take from it?
- Forgive faults born of noble passions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a flaw be noble?
- How do we judge great people?
Another view
Passion can lead to harmful excess regardless of intent.
More from Edmund Burke
To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is not given to men.
Permalink to quote #59 It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact.
Permalink to quote #61 Falsehood has a perennial spring.
Permalink to quote #58
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