Pygmies are pygmies still, though percht on Alps; And pyramids are pyramids in vales. Each man makes his own stature, builds himself. Virtue alone outbuilds the Pyramids; Her monuments shall last when Egypt's fall.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People define their own worth; virtue outlasts material monuments.
- In plain terms
- You build your own size; virtue lasts longest.
- What can you take from it?
- Inner virtue creates lasting legacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What builds your legacy?
- Does virtue outlast wealth?
Another view
Virtue often goes unrecognized in the short term.
More from Edward Young
Revere thyself, and yet thyself despise.
Permalink to quote #63 Ambition! powerful source of good and ill!
Permalink to quote #65 Death loves a shining mark, a signal blow.
Permalink to quote #62
Related quotes
Self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtue.
John HerschelJohn Herschel quote #8 Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us.
Alexander von HumboldtAlexander von Humboldt quote #11 Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, So didst thou travel on …
William WordsworthWilliam Wordsworth quote #52