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About this quote

What does it mean?
Suggests treating someone as capable encourages them to rise to the occasion.
In plain terms
Expecting greatness helps someone become great.
What can you take from it?
Belief shapes behavior.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • teaching
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • raise expectations
  • encourage potential

Questions to consider

  • How do expectations shape us?

Another view

Can backfire if expectations are unrealistic.

More from James Russell Lowell

  1. Bad work follers ye ez long's ye live.

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  2. Our papers don't purtend to print on'y wut Guv'ment choose, An' thet insures us all to git the very best o' noose.

    Permalink to quote #69
  3. Ef you want peace, the thing you've gut tu du Is jes' to show you're up to fightin', tu.

    Permalink to quote #66

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