Small men think they are small; great men never know they are great.
About this quote
A standout line from Chinese Proverb, this quote distills a lesson about success into 13 unforgettable words. It has resonated with readers for generations — the sort of wisdom worth writing on a wall, and one of the 1,000 most powerful motivational quotes we’ve gathered.
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Frequently asked
Who said “Small men think they are small; great me…”?
This quote is attributed to Chinese Proverb.
What is the meaning of this quote?
At its heart, this line speaks to success — reminding us that lasting progress comes from intention, effort and perspective. Chinese Proverb captures that idea in just 13 words.
What theme does this quote belong to?
It falls under the theme of Success in the Top 1000 collection.
Why is this quote motivational?
Short, memorable and rooted in real experience, it's the kind of line you can return to whenever you need a push toward success.
More from Chinese Proverb
Discover the life, work and other memorable words of Chinese Proverb.
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