If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington suggests a specific action will lead to supreme greatness.
- In plain terms
- Doing this one thing will make someone the greatest in the world.
- What can you take from it?
- Greatness can come from a single defining act or choice.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines greatness for you?
- What is the one thing to do?
Another view
It oversimplifies the complex path to true greatness.
More from George Washington
His excellency General Washington has arrived amoungst us, universally admired. Joy was visable on every countenance.
Permalink to quote #144 No nobler figure ever stood in the forefront of a nation's life. Washington was grave and courteous in address; his manners were simple and unpretending; his s…
Permalink to quote #146 Eternity alone can reveal to the human race its debt of gratitude to the peerless and immortal name of Washington.
Permalink to quote #143
Related quotes
Audacibus annue coeptis
VirgilVirgil quote #1 Every man is a potential genius until he does something.
Herbert Beerbohm TreeHerbert Beerbohm Tree quote #4 I never read the life of any important person without discovering that he knew more and could do more than I could ever hope to know or do in half a dozen life…
Joseph PriestleyJoseph Priestley quote #5