Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Sure of their qualities and demanding praise, more go to ruined fortunes than are raised.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People who are overly confident and seek recognition often face failure rather than success.
This quote by Alexander Pope reflects on the pitfalls of arrogance and entitlement. It suggests that individuals who are assured of their abilities and constantly seek admiration may end up compromising their potential and resources, leading to more failures than successes. The underlying message warns against the dangers of pride and the misguided belief that approval will lead to fortune.
Themes
PrideFailureSuccessArroganceRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about humility in leadership.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Alexander PopeRead
Similar quotes
I've done everything I've wanted to do. I have three children, I have grandchildren, I have books, I did movies, I've directed movies; I've done almost everything I've wanted to do.
Carl ReinerRead
If a speculator is correct half of the time, he is hitting a good average. Even being right 3 or 4 times out of 10 should yield a person a fortune if he has the sense to cut his losses quickly on the ventures where he is wrong.
Bernard BaruchRead
You don't need to be an expert in order to achieve satisfactory investment returns. But if you aren't, you must recognize your limitations and follow a course certain to work reasonably well. Keep things simple and don't swing for the fences.
Warren BuffettRead
Don't become a seeker of success. Become a person of value.
Albert EinsteinRead
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
XaviRead
The key to success is emotional stability.
Warren BuffettRead