--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be great is not to be placed above…" description: "\"“To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling others; but to stand above the partialities and futilities of uninformed desire, and to rule on..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/will-durant-948_great_to-be-great-is-not-to-be-placed-above-hu_104164.png" --- # To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling… ![“To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling others; but to stand above the partialities and futilities of uninformed desire, and to rule one’s self.” quote by Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/will-durant-948_great_to-be-great-is-not-to-be-placed-above-hu_104164.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/will-durant-948_great_to-be-great-is-not-to-be-placed-above-hu_104164.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/will-durant-948_great_to-be-great-is-not-to-be-placed-above-hu_104164.png) > ““To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling others; but to stand above the partialities and futilities of uninformed desire, and to rule one’s self.”” [Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-durant/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True greatness lies in self‑mastery and transcending petty desires, not in dominating others. **In simple terms:** Greatness = self‑rule, not oppression. Key Takeaway Self‑control defines true leadership. Themes ethics self‑mastery philosophy leadership Mood inspirational thoughtful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal development workshops - leadership training - ethical decision‑making Key Concepts inner versus outer power Practical Applications - practice mindfulness to curb impulses - model humility in authority roles Questions to Reflect On - What habits cultivate self‑mastery? - How can societies reward inner virtue over external dominance? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great/) [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity/) [Humanity Ruling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity-ruling-1253926/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Placed Humanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/placed-humanity-1253928/) [Rule Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rule-self-1253927/) ## Related quotes > [A clear rule for self-control handed down by the Fathers is this: stop eating while still hungry and do not continue until you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cassian/a-clear-rule-for-self-control-handed-down-by-the-fathers-is-this-stop/) [John Cassian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cassian/) > [“3. 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