Active Quote by Edward Gibbon
“The aspiring efforts of genius, or virtue, either in active or speculative life, are measured, not so much by their real elevation, as by the height to which they ascend above the level of their age and country; and the same stature, which in a people of giants would pass unnoticed, must appear conspicuous in a race of pygmies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Great achievements are judged not by absolute standards but by how they compare to the surrounding society; brilliance stands out in a lesser context.
In simple terms: Great deeds shine more when peers are lesser.
Key Takeaway
Recognize context when evaluating success.
Themes
achievement
relative merit
historical perspective
humility
excellence
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership assessment
- educational curricula
- personal growth
- cultural critique
Key Concepts
social comparison
historical analysis
philosophical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we value achievements differently across societies?
- How does context shape our perception of greatness?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on comparison can undervalue absolute merit.
![“History has scarcely deigned to notice [Libius Severus's] birth, his elevation, his character, or his death.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/846/edward-gibbon-710_birth_history-has-scarcely-deigned-to-notice-l_745238.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/edward-gibbon-710_byzantine_in-the-national-and-religious-conflict-o_29382.jpg)
![“[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4de/edward-gibbon-710_delay_every-hour-of-delay-abates-the-fame-and_94668.jpg)
