“For glory gives herself only to those who have always dreamed of her.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“For glory gives herself only to those who have always dreamed of her.”
Explanation
In this poetic and evocative line, Charles de Gaulle presents glory not as an accident of fate, but as a reward for those with vision, ambition, and unwavering devotion. He personifies glory as something that must be pursued with passion and imagined long before it arrives, suggesting that greatness favors those who prepare themselves for it in heart and mind. This reflects a deeply romantic notion of leadership and destiny—where dreaming is not idle fantasy but the first step toward extraordinary achievement.
De Gaulle lived this belief. From a young age, he imagined himself playing a pivotal role in France’s future, as seen in his early writings and personal reflections. That vision became reality when he led the Free French during World War II, guided his nation through reconstruction, and helped forge a powerful, independent France. His idea of glory was not rooted in vanity but in national service, and he believed that only those who could see greatness on the horizon were capable of reaching it.
In modern terms, this quote resonates as a call to daring aspiration and long-term purpose. Whether in leadership, art, or innovation, de Gaulle reminds us that glory does not fall upon the unprepared or the indifferent. It is reserved for those who dare to dream, to sacrifice, and to pursue greatness with resolve, even when the path seems distant or uncertain.
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