“ It is that the chief proof of man’s real greatness lies in his perception of his own smallness. It argues, you see, a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility. There is much food for thought in Richter. ”
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of the Four (1890). copy citation
| Author | Arthur Conan Doyle |
|---|---|
| Source | The Sign of the Four |
| Topic | greatness smallness |
| Date | 1890 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2097/2097-h/2097-h.htm |
Context
“How small we feel with our petty ambitions and strivings in the presence of the great elemental forces of nature! Are you well up in your Jean Paul? ” “ Fairly so. I worked back to him through Carlyle. ” “ That was like following the brook to the parent lake. He makes one curious but profound remark. It is that the chief proof of man’s real greatness lies in his perception of his own smallness. It argues, you see, a power of comparison and of appreciation which is in itself a proof of nobility. There is much food for thought in Richter. You have not a pistol, have you? ” “ I have my stick. ” “ It is just possible that we may need something of the sort if we get to their lair. Jonathan I shall leave to you, but if the other turns nasty I shall shoot him dead. ”
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