The darkest day in a man's career is that wherein he fancies there is some easier way of getting a dollar than by squarely earning it.
Horace GreeleyRead
Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True value lies in a person's character, not in fame, popularity, or wealth.
This quote emphasizes the transient nature of fame, popularity, and wealth, suggesting that they are fleeting and unreliable. In contrast, it highlights the importance of character, which is suggested to be the only lasting attribute that defines a person's worth and legacy.
Themes
CharacterFameWealthPopularityEnduring Values
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal values during a leadership seminar.
More from Horace Greeley
All quotes βApathy is a sort of living oblivion.
Horace GreeleyRead
I am the inferior of any man whose rights I trample underfoot.
Horace GreeleyRead
Fame is a vapor, popularity is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - character.
Horace GreeleyRead
If you have no family or friends to aid you . . . turn your face to the Great West and there build up your home and fortune.
Horace GreeleyRead
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Improve your spare moments and they will become the brightest gems in your life.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Now the Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says, "Knowledge inflates: but love edifies." The only correct inerpretation of this saying is that knowledge is valuable when charity informs it. Without charity, knowledge inflates; that is, it exalts man to an arrogance which is nothing but a kind of windy emptiness.
Saint AugustineRead
My optimism is grounded in two worlds, myself and what is about me. I demand that the world be good, and lo, it obeys. I proclaim the world good, and facts range themselves to prove my proclamation overwhelmingly true.
Helen KellerRead