Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small…
“Man seems to be capable of great virtues but not of small virtues; capable of defying historturer but not of keeping his temper.”
This quote is also attributed to Gilbert K. Chesterton in other sources. Attributions for famous quotes are often disputed.
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote observes that humans excel in grand virtues but often lack small, everyday virtues like temper control.
In simple terms: Great virtues outweigh small ones.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate small virtues alongside grand ones.
Themes
virtues
human nature
temper
morality
contradiction
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology of self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are small virtues essential?
- How can we improve daily self‑control?
A Different Perspective
May neglect the impact of small virtues.