People who are successful should never forget that it's 90 per cent luck. You've got to be an eejit to be an egomaniac. I had my glory years - 'Blankety Blank,' the talk show, when I was winning every award going.
Interpretation
Success is largely influenced by luck, and an overinflated ego can lead to failure.
In this quote, Terry Wogan emphasizes that while success is often celebrated, it is important to recognize that a significant portion of it is due to luck rather than solely one's efforts or skills. He warns against the dangers of egotism, suggesting that those who are successful must remain humble and grounded to truly appreciate their achievements and the role of chance in their lives.
In practice
In a motivational speech about success in business, you could cite this quote to remind others of the importance of humility.
A couple of years before he died, I kissed my father goodbye. He said, 'Son, you haven't kissed me since you were a little boy.' It went straight to my heart, and I kissed him whenever I saw him after that, and my sons and I always kiss whenever we meet.
I've always had an unsentimental view. I don't think the BBC is my auntie. I worked there for years, and you learn that they don't love you for yourself. They'll use you as long as you're popular. You shouldn't wait until it starts to wane. It can sometimes end badly.
I get a lot of letters from people saying, 'How do I get into radio, how do I get into telly?' and I wish there was an answer, because there's no ladder. There are no parameters. You've just got to go in wherever you can, make the tea, and slowly make your way up the ladder.
I say to my children, the reason that marriage - and having children - is so important is that it stops you thinking about yourself. The way to happiness is to give yourself to others and to think of others before you think of yourself.
There is no pressure at the top. The pressure is being second or third.
In the time of the robber barons, my great grandfather insisted on reinvesting and sharing profits with workers... He was told he was a socialist, that he was not welcome on Wall Street.
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.
Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without deep thought and hard work.
Winning one league title at Roma, to me, is worth winning 10 at Juventus or Real Madrid.
I would love to have a role with the Browns. I think that's what every ex-player would like to do most of all: to be a contributor to the success of an organization that he was a player that brought a certain amount of success.
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