Great God, I ask thee for no meaner pelf Than that I may not disappoint myself, That in my action I may soar as high As I can now discern with this clear eye.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- I ask for no trivial reward, only enough to avoid self‑disappointment and to act at my highest potential.
- In plain terms
- I seek only enough to avoid disappointment and to excel.
- What can you take from it?
- Aim for self‑fulfillment over material gain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines 'meaner pelf' for you?
Another view
Self‑disappointment can be subjective.
More from Henry David Thoreau
But now I see I was not plucked for naught, And after in life's vase Of glass set while I might survive, But by a kind hand brought Alive To a strange place.
Permalink to quote #2 My books I'd fain cast off, I cannot read, 'Twixt every page my thoughts go stray at large Down in the meadow, where is richer feed, And will not mind to hit t…
Permalink to quote #4 I am a parcel of vain strivings tied By a chance bond together, Dangling this way and that, their links Were made so loose and wide, Methinks, For milder weath…
Permalink to quote #1
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