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And the man who learns most from the levelling and himself…

“And the man who learns most from the levelling and himself becomes greatest does not become an outstanding man or hero--that would only impede the levelling process, which is rigidly consistent to the end--he himself prevents that from happening because he has understood the meaning of levelling…” quote by Søren Kierkegaard
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““And the man who learns most from the levelling and himself becomes greatest does not become an outstanding man or hero--that would only impede the levelling process, which is rigidly consistent to the end--he himself prevents that from happening because he has understood the meaning of levelling; he becomes a man and nothing else, in the complete equalitarian sense. That is the idea of religion. But, under those conditions, the equalitarian order is severe and the profit is seemingly very small; seemingly, for unless the individual learns in the reality of religion and before God to be content with himself, and learns, instead of dominating others, to dominate himself, content as priest to be his own audience, and as author his own reader, if he will not learn to be satisfied with that as the highest, because it is the expression of the equality of all men before God and of our likeness to others, then he will not escape from reflection.””

Søren Kierkegaard

About This Quote

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

True greatness lies in self‑mastery and accepting equality, not in dominating others.

In simple terms: Equality and self‑control are the highest virtues.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner humility and self‑governance.

Themes

equality humility self‑mastery religion

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • spiritual practice
  • leadership training
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Existentialism ethical philosophy self‑realization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one balance humility with personal growth?
  • What does true equality mean in daily life?
A Different Perspective

May neglect personal ambition and societal progress.

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