“Arrogance is the act of the great; presumption that of the little” delves into the nature of self-perception, power dynamics and societal roles. The statement suggests that arrogance is a trait associated with those who have achieved greatness or hold significant power. This could be as they have earned their status thru hard work, talent, or extraordinary achievements and thus feel justified in their high self-regard.
Conversely, “presumption” refers to an overstepping of one’s bounds, typically by assuming more than what is warranted by one’s position or abilities. It implies that those who are ‘little’—not necessarily in stature but perhaps in accomplishment or status—tend to overestimate themselves without any substantial achievement to back up their claims.
This idea can be applied widely in today’s world where social media often blurs lines between reality and perception. Many people project an image of success and accomplishment without necessarily having worked for it—a clear example of presumption according to this quote.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to stay grounded and honest about our achievements. It encourages us not to fall into arrogance even when we achieve greatness but also warns against presumptuous behavior when we haven’t yet reached our goals. Instead, it promotes humility and persistent effort towards genuine achievement as keys for personal growth.
