Golden days Quote by Charles Kingsley
““here, away from courts, among a people who should bless me as their benefactor and deliverer—what golden days might be mine! And yet—is this but another angel's mask from that same cunning fiend ambition's stage? And will my house be indeed the house of God, the foundations of which are loyalty, and its bulwarks righteousness, and not the house of fame, whose walls are of the soap-bubble, and its floor a sea of glass mingled with fire? I would be good and great—When will the day come when I shall be content to be good, and yet not great,””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Progress of the Holy War, 1854
The speaker doubts whether ambition and fame will corrupt true virtue and lasting fulfillment.
In simple terms: Ambition may mask true purpose.
Key Takeaway
Seek lasting virtue over fleeting fame.
Themes
ambition
virtue
contentment
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal ambition
- public service
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
spiritual integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines true greatness for you?
- How can loyalty outweigh desire for fame?
A Different Perspective
Fame can be deceptive and hollow.
