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About this quote

What does it mean?
People with peaceful, uneventful lives are happier than those famous for turmoil.
In plain terms
It is better to live quietly than to be known for bad events.
What can you take from it?
A quiet life is often a happy one.

Where it applies

  • historical reflection
  • personal contentment
  • political change

Putting it to work

  • value peace
  • avoid conflict
  • focus on daily life

Questions to consider

  • Would you rather be remembered or happy?
  • What makes a life worth living?

Another view

Sometimes turmoil leads to important positive change.

More from Thomas Carlyle

  1. 'Genius' (which means transcendent capacity of taking trouble, first of all).

    Permalink to quote #11

  2. This great maxim of Philosophy he had gathered by the teaching of nature alone: That man was created to work, not to speculate, or feel, or dream.

    Permalink to quote #13

  3. A healthy hatred of scoundrels.

    Permalink to quote #10

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