“Constitution,—the apex of all its intelligences and mighty instincts and dumb longings: it is I? William Conqueror's big gifts, and Edward's and Elizabeth's; Oliver's lightning soul, noble as Sinai and the thunders of the Lord: these are mine, I begin to perceive,—to a certain extent. These heroisms have I,—though rather shy of exhibiting them. These; and something withal of the huge beaver-faculty of our Arkwrights, Brindleys; touches too of the phoenix-melodies and sunny heroisms of our Shakspeares, of our Singers, Sages and inspired Thinkers all this is in me, I will hope,—though rather shy of exhibiting it on common occasions.”
1850s, Latter-Day Pamphlets (1850), Downing Street (April 1, 1850)
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Thomas Carlyle 481
Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian… 1795–1881Related quotes

Biharul Anwar, Volume 96, Page 77
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“It is noble to be shy, illustrious not to know how to act, great not to have a gift for living.”
Ibid., p. 86
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Original: É nobre ser tímido, ilustre não saber agir, grande não ter jeito para viver.

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