Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends! Hath he…
“Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends! Hath he not always treasures, always friends, The good great man? Three treasures, love and light, And calm thoughts, regular as infants' breath; And three firm friends, more sure than day and night, Himself, his Maker, and the angel Death.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage equates greatness and goodness with ultimate ends, describing three treasures—love, light, calm thoughts—and three steadfast friends: self, creator, and death.
In simple terms: Greatness is achieved through love, light, calmness, and trusted companions.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate love, clarity, calmness, and trust in self, creator, and mortality.
Themes
virtue
spirituality
friendship
philosophy
mortality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- spiritual practice
- life purpose
- death acceptance
Key Concepts
ethics
metaphysics
inner peace
Questions to Reflect On
- What are your three treasures?
- How do you view death as a friend?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on external forces may undermine personal agency.