"Indeed, every person, in every condition, is great.

It is only OUR diseased sight that makes him seem little.

A person is great simply as a human being,

whatever or wherever he may be.

The grandeur of his nature renders outward distinctions (color, race, sex) insignificant.

His abilities to think, follow his conscience, love, know God,

appreciate beauty, govern himself, influence the world around him,

and affect the lives of others—

these are glorious gifts given by God.

The common lights of reason, conscience, and love are of greater worth and dignity than the rare endowments that bring fame to a few.

He who possesses these divine powers of the soul is a great being, whatever his station.

You may clothe him in rags, confine him in a dungeon,

or chain him to slavish tasks.

But he is still great.

You may shut him out of your houses,

but God opens to him heavenly mansions.

He may make no show in the streets of a splendid city,

but a clear thought, a pure affection,

and a resolute act of virtuous will

possess a dignity far higher than all the accumulations of brick, granite, plaster, and stucco, however skillfully fashioned

or how far they stretch beyond sight." William Ellery Channing.