Challenges Quote by Max Brooks
![“They say great times make great men. I don't buy it. I saw a lot of weakness, a lot of filth. People who should have risen to the challenge and either couldn't or wouldn't. Greed, fear, stupidity and hate. I saw it before the war, I see it today. [...] I don't know if great times make great men…” quote by Max Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ed/max-brooks-2735_challenges_they-say-great-times-make-great-men-i-do_390485.jpg)
“They say great times make great men. I don't buy it. I saw a lot of weakness, a lot of filth. People who should have risen to the challenge and either couldn't or wouldn't. Greed, fear, stupidity and hate. I saw it before the war, I see it today. [...] I don't know if great times make great men, but I know they can kill them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Max Brooks on War and Society, 2020
Great eras expose both strength and weakness; they can elevate or destroy individuals, depending on personal choices and societal pressures.
In simple terms: Great times reveal strengths and flaws, potentially harming the strong.
Key Takeaway
Beware of letting circumstances dictate character.
Themes
history
human nature
leadership
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- military command
- personal resilience
Key Concepts
power dynamics
morality
psychological stress
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities help individuals thrive in turbulent times?
- How can societies protect potential leaders from destructive influences?
A Different Perspective
Not all individuals respond the same; context and personal agency vary.
![“You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.” quote by Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f7/aristophanes-3340_demagoguery_you-demagogues-are-like-the-fishers-for_87488.jpg)
![“[...]you don’t have to be Sun freakin Tzu to know that real fighting isn’t about killing or even hurting the other guy, it’s about scaring him enough to call it a day.” quote by Max Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eee/max-brooks-2735_enough_you-don-t-have-to-be-sun-freakin-tzu-to_182431.jpg)
