It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
The more dignity is widely and freely available in a society, the less people want to be famous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Society's respect for dignity reduces the desire for fame.
In this quote, Alain De Botton suggests that when a society emphasizes and prioritizes the concept of dignity for all its members, the allure of fame diminishes. This implies that true self-worth and recognition can be found in the inherent dignity and respect people receive, rather than through the superficial pursuit of fame, which can often be fleeting and hollow.
Themes
DignityFameSocietySelf-WorthRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for discussing the values of self-esteem and dignity in a community service presentation.
More from Alain De Botton
All quotes βTaking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us...It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread
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The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
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The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
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It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
Alain De BottonRead
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