Human Greatness

Jane Addams,
co-founder of Hull House


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What is a great man who has made his mark upon history? Every time, if we think far enough, he is a man who has looked through the confusion of the moment and has seen the moral issue involved; he is a man who has refused to have his sense of justice distorted; he has listened to his conscience until conscience becomes a trumpet call to like-minded men, so that they gather about him and together, with mutual purpose and mutual aid, they make a new period in history.…

[T]he lessons of great men are lost unless they re-enforce upon our minds the highest demands which we make upon ourselves; that they are lost unless they drive our sluggish wills forward in the direction of their highest ideals.

Given in honor of George Washington
in celebration of his birthday

Chicago, IL
(February 23, 1903)

http://www.usa-patriotism.com/speeches/jaddams1.htm

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