Subtract from the great man all that he owes to opportunity, all that he owes to chance, and all that he gained by the wisdom of his friends and the folly of his enemies, and the giant will often be seen to be a pygmy.

Summary

This quote suggests that without the external factors of opportunity, chance, the advice and support of wise friends, and the mistakes of enemies, even great individuals may appear small or insignificant. It highlights the significance of these external influences in shaping a person's success or achievements. By emphasizing the importance of circumstances and the contributions of others, the quote underscores the notion that greatness is rarely solely dependent on an individual's own merits, but rather a combination of various factors and influences.

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