The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
Lily TomlinRead
I've always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in our aspirations. It suggests that rather than just wanting to be 'somebody', we should define what being 'somebody' truly means to us.
Lily Tomlin's quote reflects on the common desire to achieve recognition or success, but it warns that without a clear vision of what that entails, one may end up in a direction that does not align with their true desires. It highlights the need for specificity in our goals and dreams, encouraging individuals to think deeply about their identity and ambitions rather than simply adhering to societal expectations.
Themes
ClarityGoalsIdentityAspirationSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about defining personal goals.
More from Lily Tomlin
All quotes βSometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
Lily TomlinRead
The road to success is always under construction.
Lily TomlinRead
Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.
Lily TomlinRead
Truth is, I've always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.
Lily TomlinRead
Why is it that when we talk to God we're said to be praying but when God talks to us we're schizophrenic?
Lily TomlinRead
Similar quotes
Ambition! We must be careful what we mean by it. If it means the desire to get ahead of other people - which is what I think it does mean - then it is bad. If it means simply wanting to do a thing well, then it is good. It isn't wrong for an actor to want to act his part as well as it can possibly be acted, but the wish to have his name in bigger type than the other actors is a bad one.
C. S. LewisRead
They tell me what to wear, how to look, what I should say, how I should be. Until recently I had given into that pressure, I lost sight of who I was. I listened to opinions of people and I tried to change who I am because I thought others would accept me for it. And I realized I don't know how to be anything but myself.
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There is always room for a man of force and he makes room for many. Society is a troop of thinkers and the best heads among them take the best places.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
You may say organize, organize, organize; but there may be so much organization that it will interfere with the work to be done.
Mark TwainRead
Childhood is the fiery furnace in which we are melted down to essentials and that essential shaped for good.
Katherine Anne PorterRead
I don't care if someone is new to acting or experienced in acting: you always learn something from them. It's just like people in life - whether they're young or middle-aged or old, you always learn something from someone.
Viola DavisRead