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To the Arab Nation it was as a birth from darkness into light; Arabia first became alive by means of it. A poor shepherd people, roaming unnoticed in its deserts since the creation of the world: a Hero-Prophet was sent down to them with a word they could believe: see, the unnoticed becomes world-notable, the small has grown world-great; within one century afterwards, Arabia is at Grenada on this hand, at Delhi on that; - glancing in valor and splendor and the light of genius, Arabia shines through long ages over a great section of the world. Belief is great, life-giving. The history of a Nation becomes fruitful, soul-elevating, great, so soon as it believes.

Thomas Carlyle#80

HistoryGreatnessBeliefNation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Belief transformed Arabia from an unnoticed people into a great nation that shone with valor and genius.
In plain terms
Belief gave life to Arabia turning a small people into a world power in one century.
What can you take from it?
Belief can elevate a nation to greatness and vitality.

Where it applies

  • nation building
  • cultural change
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • cultivate shared belief
  • aim for greatness

Questions to consider

  • How does belief elevate a nation?
  • What makes history soul-elevating?

Another view

Belief alone does not guarantee greatness without other factors.

More from Thomas Carlyle

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  3. We will not praise Mahomet's moral precepts as always of the superfinest sort; yet it can be said that there is always a tendency to good in them; that they ar…

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