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Self-culture: An address introductory to the Franklin lectures, delivered at Boston, September, 1838

Book by William Ellery Channing · 2 quotes · Book, Common, Dignity

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Self-culture: An address introductory to the Franklin lectures, delivered at Boston, September, 1838 Quotes

“Science and art may invent splendid modes of illuminating the apartments of the opulent; but these are all poor and worthless compared with the common light which the sun sends into all our windows, which he pours freely, impartially over hill and valley, which kindles daily the eastern and western sky; and so the common lights of reason, and conscience, and love, are of more worth and dignity than the rare endowments which give celebrity to a few.”

“Perhaps in our presence, the most heroic deed on earth is done in some silent spirit, the loftiest purpose cherished, the most generous sacrifice made, and we do not suspect it. I believe this greatness to be most common among the multitude, whose names are never heard.”