Quote by Henry S. Haskins

Good behavior is the last refuge of mediocrity.


Good behavior is the last refuge of mediocrity.

Summary

This quote suggests that conformity to societal norms and standards is often a characteristic of mediocrity. It implies that individuals who overly rely on displaying conventional forms of good behavior may lack originality or distinctive qualities. By seeking refuge in good behavior, they may avoid taking risks or standing out from the crowd. The quote challenges the notion that conformity automatically leads to success or fulfillment, suggesting that true excellence often lies outside the boundaries of conventional behavior.

By Henry S. Haskins
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The true greatness of a nation is not measured by the vastness of its territory, or by the multitude of its people, or by the profusion of its exports and imports; but by the extent to which it has contributed to the life and thought and progress of the world. A man's greatness is not estimated by the size of his body or of his purse; not by his family connections or social position, however high these may be. He may bulk large in public estimation today, but tomorrow he will be forgotten like a dream, and his very servants may secure a higher position and a name lasting possibly a little longer.A man's greatness is estimated by his influence, not over the votes and empty cheers of a changing and passing crowd, but by his abiding, inspiring influence in their bidden thoughts, upon their ways of thinking, and consequently of acting. That is why the Wycliffes, Shakespeares, Miltons, Newtons, Wesleys, and Gladstones of English history live, and will live, in everlasting memory, while lesser men are remembered only through them, and the crowd of demagogues, pretenders, and self-seekers are named, if ever named, only to point a moral, or adorn a tale.So with nations. A great nation is not one which, like Russia, has an enormous territory ; or, like China, has an enormous population. It is the nation which gives mankind new modes of thought, new ideals of life, new hopes, new aspirations; which lifts the world out of the rut, and sets it going on a cleaner and brighter road.

L. E. Blaze, Lecture at the D. B