All things Quote by Edmund Burke
“I do not hesitate to say that the road to eminence and power, from an obscure condition, ought not to be made too easy, nor a thing too much of course. If rare merit be the rarest of all things, it ought to pass through some sort of probation. The temple of honor ought to be seated on an eminence. If it be open through virtue, let it be remembered, too, that virtue is never tried but by some difficulty and some struggle.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on the French Revolution, 1790
True merit must be tested by hardship; honor should be earned through struggle, not granted easily.
In simple terms: Merit needs hardship; honor earned through struggle.
Key Takeaway
Value effort and resilience.
Themes
merit
honor
hardship
virtue
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership selection
- academic promotion
- athletic competition
- creative pursuits
Key Concepts
trial
probation
excellence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure fairness in evaluating merit?
- What obstacles might unjustly hinder talent?
A Different Perspective
Not all difficulty is fair; systemic barriers can impede deserving individuals.
