The deepest quality of a work of art will always be the quality of the mind of the producer...No good novel will ever proceed from a superficial mind.
Henry JamesRead
I don't want everyone to like me; I should think less of myself if some people did.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-worth over the desire for universal acceptance.
Henry James's quote conveys the idea that seeking approval from everyone can diminish one’s self-respect. It suggests that if one is liked by all, it may indicate a lack of depth or integrity in their character, and instead one should prioritize authenticity and self-regard over the superficial approval of others.
Themes
Self-WorthAuthenticityApprovalIndividualityIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech about self-acceptance.
More from Henry James
All quotes →What is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character?
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Never say you know the last word about any human heart.
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I adore adverbs; they are the only qualifications I really much respect.
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We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
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A swift carriage, of a dark night, rattling with four horses over roads that one can’t see--that’s my idea of happiness.
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