Skip to content

Altars Quote by William Hazlitt

“The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of great men.” quote by William Hazlitt
Download Open image
“The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of great men.”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

Source Essay: "On the Nature of Fame", 1820

Fame is built on the legacy of those before, their deeds fueling its flame.

In simple terms: Fame rests on past great men.

Key Takeaway

Respect and learn from predecessors.

Themes

legacy fame history

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • writing about fame
  • teaching history
  • memorials

Key Concepts

cultural memory hero worship ephemerality

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who are the great men behind your aspirations?
  • How does legacy shape your goals?
A Different Perspective

Fame can be fleeting and dependent on public perception.

2.1 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by William Hazlitt

Explore all 671 William Hazlitt quotes

More Altars quotes

Browse all 327 Altars quotes