"Beauty is, as it were, the finzing of the earth."
This quote suggests that beauty is a grace or charm that adorns or embellishes the earth in a way that makes it more delightful to the senses and appealing to our aesthetic appreciation. It implies that beauty is not merely an inherent quality, but rather something that enhances and elevates the natural world. Goldsmith seems to be suggesting that just as precious metals like gold are used to adorn and enhance objects of value, so too does beauty serve to embellish the earth in a way that makes it more valuable and appealing.
"The only true glory consists in the feeling of your own worth, in the consciousness of having done your best."
This quote by Oliver Goldsmith suggests that genuine glory lies not in external validation or accolades, but in one's inner sense of self-worth and the conviction that they have given their utmost effort. In other words, it is about recognizing our personal best and achieving a deep, personal satisfaction from our own efforts and accomplishments.
"We are all born ignorant, but one must live so as not to die that way."
This quote by Oliver Goldsmith highlights the importance of continuous learning and personal growth throughout one's life. It suggests that ignorance is a natural state for all individuals at birth, but to truly live means to actively seek knowledge and understanding in order to transcend that initial state of ignorance, thus avoiding the trap of dying as ignorant as we were born. In essence, it emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and self-improvement.
"A man is a very small thing, but he hath greatness within him."
This quote by Oliver Goldsmith emphasizes the inherent greatness that resides within every human being, despite our physical insignificance in the grand scheme of things. It suggests that each person possesses an inner potential for greatness, regardless of their size or position in life. The message encourages us to recognize and nurture this potential, as it has the power to transform us beyond our initial appearances.
"I am persuaded that a little among the discontented living is better than a great deal among the contented dead."
This quote suggests that living a life of purpose, even if it's filled with dissatisfaction or discontent, holds more value than leading a comfortable, contented life after death. It implies that one should strive for personal growth and meaningful experiences over mere comfort and conformity in life.
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