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
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.
In practice
In a speech about personal values during a leadership seminar.
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.
Apathy is a sort of living oblivion.
I am the inferior of any man whose rights I trample underfoot.
Fame is a vapor, popularity is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - character.
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.
A wise man's questions contain half the answer.
You don't need people’s opinion on a fact. You might as well have a poll asking: ‘Which number is bigger, 15 or 5?’ or ‘Do owls exist?’ or ‘Are there hats?'
Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned.
I've found, in my own writing, that a little hatred, keenly directed, is a useful thing.
Sanity is madness put to good use.
The most important things must be said simply, for they are spoiled by bombast; whereas trivial things must be described grandly, for they are supported only by aptness of expression, tone and manner.
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