Meaning: The quote "People do not always understand the motives of sublime conduct, and when they are astonished they are very apt to think they ought to be alarmed. The truth is none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it." by Jane Porter, a novelist, touches upon the idea that people often struggle to comprehend acts of greatness or extraordinary behavior. Porter suggests that when individuals encounter remarkable conduct, they may be inclined to react with confusion or even fear, rather than appreciation or understanding. She implies that the ability to recognize and appreciate greatness is itself a mark of greatness.

In this quote, Jane Porter highlights a common human tendency to react with suspicion or unease when confronted with actions or behaviors that are extraordinary or beyond the norm. This may be due to a lack of understanding or familiarity with such conduct, leading individuals to perceive it as threatening or alarming. The quote suggests that people's reactions to acts of greatness are often influenced by their own limitations and inability to fully comprehend the motives behind such actions.

Porter's assertion that "none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it" emphasizes the idea that true appreciation and understanding of greatness can only come from individuals who possess the capacity for greatness themselves. This implies that those who lack the ability to conceive of or embody greatness may struggle to recognize and appreciate it in others. Porter's words challenge the notion that everyone is qualified to pass judgment on acts of greatness, suggesting that only those who possess a certain level of insight and capability can truly understand and evaluate such conduct.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of greatness and the criteria by which it is judged. Porter seems to suggest that greatness is not easily understood or recognized by the average person and that it requires a certain level of insight, empathy, and perhaps experience to fully appreciate. This challenges the idea that greatness is purely subjective and suggests that there may be objective qualities or characteristics that define it.

Furthermore, the quote invites reflection on the role of perception and bias in how people interpret extraordinary behavior. It suggests that individuals may be quick to judge or misinterpret acts of greatness due to their own limitations, preconceptions, or insecurities. This speaks to the idea that our understanding of greatness is often colored by our own perspectives and limitations, and that we may need to expand our capacity for empathy and open-mindedness in order to truly appreciate acts of sublime conduct.

In conclusion, Jane Porter's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the human experience of encountering acts of greatness. It challenges the notion that everyone is capable of fully understanding or appreciating extraordinary behavior, suggesting that true recognition of greatness requires a certain level of insight and capability. By highlighting the limitations of perception and the tendency to react with alarm or suspicion in the face of the extraordinary, Porter's words prompt us to consider the nature of greatness and the qualities that enable us to recognize and appreciate it.