Altars Quote by Alphonse de Lamartine
“If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of a human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "On Greatness", 1850
True genius lies in influencing humanity's spiritual and moral realms, far beyond material achievements.
In simple terms: Greatness is measured by spiritual impact.
Key Takeaway
Seek to inspire deeper values.
Themes
philosophy
history
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership
- social reform
Key Concepts
human nature
legacy
influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What legacy do you wish to leave?
- How can you affect others' beliefs positively?
A Different Perspective
Material power is fleeting; lasting change is intangible.
