“there is an irrepressible tendency in every man to develop himself according to the magnitude which Nature has made him of; to speak out, to act out, what nature has laid in him. This is proper, fit, inevitable; nay it is a duty, and even the summary of duties for a man. The meaning of life here on earth might be defined as consisting in this: To unfold your self, to work what thing you have the faculty for.”

— Thomas Carlyle

1840s, Heroes and Hero-Worship (1840), The Hero As King

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Thomas Carlyle 481

Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian… 1795–1881

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