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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nightingale laments the loss of Dr. Livingstone, portraying him as a unique figure whose contribution was unmatched by his peers. The tone suggests a deep respect for his singular impact on his generation.
In plain terms
God took away a very important man because he was unique in his time.
What can you take from it?
Great individuals who stand alone are invaluable to their era.

Where it applies

  • eulogy
  • remembrance
  • historical tribute

Putting it to work

  • honoring exceptional contributors

Questions to consider

  • Who are the unique figures in your field?
  • How do we measure greatness?

Another view

The statement relies on the subjective judgment of who is the 'greatest' man.

More from Florence Nightingale

  1. It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a hospital that it should do the sick no harm.

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  2. Hospitals are only an intermediate stage of civilization, never intended at all even to take in the whole sick population.

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  3. Instead of wishing to see more doctors made by women joining what there are, I wish to see as few doctors, either male or female, as possible. For, mark you, t…

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