Heroes and scholars represent the opposite extremes... The scholar struggles for the benefit of all humanity, sometimes to reduce physical effort, sometimes to reduce pain, and sometimes to postpone death, or at least render it more bearable. In contrast, the patriot sacrifices a rather substantial part of humanity for the sake of his own prestige. His statue is always erected on a pedestal of ruins and corpses... In contrast, all humanity crowns a scholar, love forms the pedestal of his statues, and his triumphs defy the desecration of time and the judgment of history.
About This Quote
Themes
- Death — Contemplations on mortality, loss, and the legacy we leave
- History — Lessons from the past and the arc of human civilisation
- Inspirational — Uplifting words to motivate and inspire positive action
- Love — Quotes exploring romantic love, compassion, and human connection
- Science — Discovery, inquiry, and the wonders of the natural world
- Time — Reflections on the passage of time and how we spend it