Skip to content

It is the greatest and the tallest of trees that the gods…

“It is the greatest and the tallest of trees that the gods bring low with bolts and thunder. For the gods love to thwart whatever is greater than the rest. They do not suffer pride in anyone but themselves.” quote by Herodotus
Download Open image
“It is the greatest and the tallest of trees that the gods bring low with bolts and thunder. For the gods love to thwart whatever is greater than the rest. They do not suffer pride in anyone but themselves.”

Herodotus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The powerful and lofty are often humbled by divine forces, which despise pride and favor humility.

In simple terms: Greatness is humbled by the gods.

Key Takeaway

Respect humility and avoid hubris.

Themes

pride humility divine justice hubris fate

Mood

reflective serious

Type

cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • personal ambition
  • creative projects
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

mythology power dynamics humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you recognize when pride blinds you?
  • How can humility protect you from downfall?
A Different Perspective

Even the highest may fall, but not all setbacks are divine; some are human error.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Herodotus

Explore all 145 Herodotus quotes

More God love quotes

Browse all 3,478 God love quotes