Thomas Carlyle

"The Great Man's sincerity is of the kind he cannot speak of, is not conscious of: nay, I suppose, he is conscious rather of insincerity; for what man can walk accurately by the law of truth for one day? No, the Great Man does not boast himself sincere, far from that; perhaps does not ask himself if he is so: I would say rather, his sincerity does not depend on himself; he cannot help being sincere!"

3 likes

Source: Thomas Carlyle (1871). “The Collected Works of Thomas Carlyle”, p.218

About the author

Thomas Carlyle

Thomas Carlyle

Essayist, Historian, Novelist

Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish philosopher and historian known for his influential works on history and heroism, particularly 'On Heroes and Hero Worship.'

All quotes by Thomas Carlyle →

Same author

More quotes by Thomas Carlyle

See all →
Thomas Carlyle Essayist, Historian, Novelist

"Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come."

Read quote
Thomas Carlyle Essayist, Historian, Novelist

"No man lives without jostling and being jostled; in all ways he has to elbow himself through the world, giving and receiving offence."

Read quote