Nature never said to me: Do not be poor; still less did she say: Be rich; her cry to me was always: Be independent.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
Eminence without merit earns deference without esteem.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Status gained without true merit leads to respect without genuine admiration.
This quote suggests that individuals who achieve a position of prominence or respect without the accompanying qualities of merit or actual skill will receive only shallow respect. Their elevated status will not translate into genuine admiration or esteem from others, highlighting the importance of true abilities and worthiness over superficial recognition.
Themes
MeritEsteemRespectReputationWorth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about integrity in business, one might say, 'Remember, eminence without merit earns deference without esteem.'
More from Nicolas Chamfort
All quotes βPleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
It is with happiness as with watches: the less complicated, the less easily deranged.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
There are more fools than wise men, and even in a wise man there is more folly than wisdom.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
In living and in seeing other men, the heart must break or become as bronze.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
And so I leave this world, where the heart must either break or turn to lead (suicide note)
Nicolas ChamfortRead
Similar quotes
I've always talked to players about perception and reality. I don't worry about perception. There may be some of that, that people want to attach to a good name, but the reality is that some good things can happen.
Tony DungyRead
I daren't come and drink," said Jill. Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion. Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer."I suppose I must go and look for another stream then." There is no other stream," said the Lion.
C. S. LewisRead
I believe that all the survivors are mad. One time or another their madness will explode. You cannot absorb that much madness and not be influenced by it. That is why the children of survivors are so tragic. I see them in school. They don't know how
Elie WieselRead
I threw my cup away when I saw a child drinking from his hands at the trough.
DiogenesRead
I honestly felt no envy or resentment, only astonishment at how much of a world there was out there and how much of it others already knew. The agenda for self-cultivation that had been set for my classmates by their teachers and parents was something I'd have to develop for myself.
Sonia SotomayorRead
It's very important in life to know when to shut up. You should not be afraid of silence.
Alex TrebekRead