Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary.
—Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) American Author, Journalist, Short Story Writer
A good example is the best sermon.
—Anonymous
‘Tis no shame to follow the better precedent.
—Ben Jonson (1572–1637) English Dramatist, Poet, Actor
Imitation is a necessity of human nature.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935) American Jurist, Author
As it is our nature to be more moved by hope than fear, the example of one we see abundantly rewarded cheers and encourages us far more than the sight of many who have not been well treated disquiets us.
—Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540) Italian Historian, Political leader
Each of us is in fact what he is almost exclusively by virtue of his imitativeness.
—William James (1842–1910) American Philosopher, Psychologist, Physician
From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Call the roll in your memory of conspicuously successful (business) giants and, if you know anything about their careers, you will be struck by the fact that almost every one of them encountered inordinate difficulties sufficient to crush all but the gamest of spirits. Edison went hungry many times before he became famous.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
The action of a fool cannot serve as a precedent.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Example has more followers than reason.—We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.—A generous habit of thought and action carries with it an incalculable influence.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
To be ignorant of the lives of the most celebrated men of antiquity is to continue in a state of childhood.
—Plutarch (c.46–c.120 CE) Greek Biographer, Philosopher
Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching; for he that was only taught by himself had a fool as his master.
—Ben Jonson (1572–1637) English Dramatist, Poet, Actor
A man is fortunate if he encounters living examples of vice, as well as of virtue, to inspire him.
—Brendan Behan (1923–64) Irish Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
We boast our emancipation from many superstitions; but if we have broken any idols, it is through a transfer of idolatry.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Example is not the main thing in influencing others—it’s the only thing.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth and inexperience, as well as poverty of education and character, that it is no wonder that we sometimes seem rudderless… . We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models.
—Arthur Ashe (1943–93) American Tennis Player
Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
Learn to see in another’s calamity the ills which you should avoid.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) American Poet, Educator, Academic
One filled with joy preaches without preaching.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
I studied the lives of great men and famous women; and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work.
—Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) American Head of State
Judgement can be acquired only by acute observation, by actual experience in the school of life, by ceaseless alertness to learn from others, by study of the activities of men who have made notable marks, by striving to analyze the everyday play of causes and effects, by constant study of human nature.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
Nothing arouses ambition so much in the heart as the trumpet-clang of another’s fame.
—Baltasar Gracian (1601–58) Spanish Scholar, Prose Writer
The strongest bond of human sympathy, outside of the family relation, should be one uniting all working people, of all nations, and tongues, and kindreds. Nor should this lead us to a war upon property, or the owners of property. Property is the fruit of labor; property is desirable; is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich and, hence, is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus, by example, assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
There is a difference between imitating a good man and counterfeiting him.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
I never thought a role model should be negative.
—Michael Jordan (b.1963) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
Without heroes, we are all plain people and don’t know how far we can go.
—Bernard Malamud (1914–86) American Novelist, Short-Story Writer
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