
“The many are mean; only the few are noble.”
in Eric Hoffer, Between the Devil and the Dragon (New York: 1982), p. 108
Pt. IV, sec. 3, ch. 3
Lectures on the Philosophy of History (1832), Volume 1
“The many are mean; only the few are noble.”
in Eric Hoffer, Between the Devil and the Dragon (New York: 1982), p. 108
Source: A Funeral for the Eyes of Fire (1975), Chapter 11, “Usurpation: Two Meteors, Prodigal of Light” (p. 200)
The Second World War, Volume I : The Gathering Storm (1948) Chapter 17 (The Tragedy of Munich), p .287 http://books.google.de/books?id=HzlT3t05OHoC&pg=PA287&dq=churchill+the+gathering+storm+have+been+averted+by+patience+and+persisting+good+will!&hl=de&sa=X&ei=1355T-39C4jHsgb0t-mWBA&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Post-war years (1945–1955)
Context: Those who are prone, by temperament and character, to seek sharp and clear-cut solutions of difficult and obscure problems, who are ready to fight whenever some challenge comes from a foreign power, have not always been right. On the other hand, those whose inclination is to bow their heads, to seek patiently and faithfully for peaceful compromise, are not always wrong. On the contrary, in the majority of instances they may be right, not only morally, but from a practical standpoint. How many wars have been averted by patience and persisting good will! Religion and virtue alike lend their sanctions to meekness and humility, not only between men but between nations. How many wars have been precipitated by firebrands! How many misunderstandings which led to wars could have been removed by temporizing! How often have countries fought cruel wars and then after a few years found themselves not only friends but allies!
Source: The Barbizon Diaries: A Meditation on Will, Purpose, and the Value Of Stories
“People are like music; few, pure harmony... many, only noise.”
Original: (it) Le persone sono come la musica; poche, pura armonia... tante, solo rumore.
Source: prevale.net
“Many people may talk, but only few can practice whatever they have said.”
Debate in the House of Representatives, (6 February 1846).
1840s