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 is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - character.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fame and wealth are fleeting, but a person's character is what truly lasts.
This quote from Horace Greeley emphasizes the transient nature of fame, popularity, and wealth, suggesting that these external accolades are unreliable and can change with time. In contrast, the essence of a person's character remains constant and is the only enduring quality that defines an individual over the long term, regardless of public opinion or material success.
Themes
FameCharacterWealthPopularityTransience
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about perseverance and integrity.
More from Horace Greeley
All quotes βFame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.
Horace GreeleyRead
Apathy is a sort of living oblivion.
Horace GreeleyRead
I am the inferior of any man whose rights I trample underfoot.
Horace GreeleyRead
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.
Horace GreeleyRead
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You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
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Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on the mind.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.
Edward R. MurrowRead