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A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by…

“A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it.” quote by W.K. Marriott
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““A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it.””

W.K. Marriott

About This Quote

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

Emulating great figures can lend prestige to one's work even if one's skill falls short.

In simple terms: Imitate the great to gain their aura.

Key Takeaway

Seek role models, adopt their habits.

Themes

imitation aspiration legacy

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career development
  • artistic growth
  • personal branding
  • leadership

Key Concepts

self‑improvement social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance imitation with personal authenticity?
  • What qualities of great figures truly align with your values?
A Different Perspective

Mimicry may stifle originality if over‑relied upon.

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