Set the standard as high as you will; live to it as near…
““Set the standard as high as you will; live to it as near as you can; and if you fail, try yourself, judge yourself, condemn yourself, if you choose. Teach and persuade your neighbor if you can; consider and compare his conduct if you please; speak your mind if you desire; but if he fails to reach your standard or his own, try him not, judge him not, condemn him not. He lies beyond your sphere; you cannot know the temptation nor the inward battle nor the weight of the circumstances upon him. You do not know how long he fought before he failed. Therefore you cannot be just. Let him alone.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages setting high standards for oneself, judging others gently, and recognizing unknown personal struggles.
In simple terms: Set high standards, judge others kindly.
Key Takeaway
Practice empathy and self-discipline.
Themes
ethics
judgment
empathy
Mood
reflective
ethical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- personal development
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self-improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance high standards with compassion?
- What limits your judgment of others?
A Different Perspective
Hard standards may cause self‑criticism.