“The small are always dependent on the great; they are “small” precisely because they think they are independent. The great thinker is one who can hear what is greatest in the work of other “greats” and who can transform it in an original manner.”

“Who can attain to anything great if he does not feel in himself the force and will to inflict great pain? The ability to suffer is a small matter: in that line, weak women and even slaves often attain masterliness. But not to perish from internal distress and doubt when one inflicts great suffering and hears the cry of it — that is great, that belongs to greatness.”

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German philosopher, poet, composer, cultural critic, and classical philologist

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American author and humorist

“Of all your troubles, great and small, the greatest are the ones that don't happen at all.”

Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian and teacher

“A small man always has one weapon he can use against a great big man: he can "talk" about him.”

E. W. Howe (1853–1937) Novelist, magazine and newspaper editor

“a small spark can start a great fire”

Emmet Fox (1886–1951) American New Thought writer

“No one can be a great thinker who does not recognize that as a thinker it is his first duty to follow his intellect to whatever conclusions it may lead.”

John Stuart Mill book On Liberty

“Fortunate, indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself, and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use, be it great or be it small!”

Peter Mere Latham (1789–1875) English physician and educator

“There is a great man who makes every man feel small. But the real great man is the man who makes every man feel great.”

G. K. Chesterton Charles Dickens

“We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware – beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.”

Kent Nerburn (1946) Author