It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, nor the amount of money one has in the bank, that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success.
Interpretation
True success is determined by one's contributions to others rather than material possessions.
In this quote, George Washington Carver emphasizes that success should not be judged by superficial criteria such as clothing, wealth, or possessions. Instead, he argues that the true measure of success lies in one's commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in their lives. This perspective encourages a focus on altruism and service as vital components of a fulfilling life.
In practice
During a graduation speech, one might say this quote to inspire students to seek fulfillment in helping others.
We have become 99 percent money mad. The method of living at home modestly and within our income, laying a little by systematically for the proverbial rainy day which is due to come, can almost be listed among the lost arts.
I would never allow anyone to give me money, no difference how badly I needed it. I wanted literally to earn my living.
Fear of something is at the root of hate for others, and hate within will eventually destroy the hater.
God is going to reveal to us things He never revealed before if we put our hands in His. No books ever go into my laboratory. The thing I am to do and the way of doing it are revealed to me. I never have to grope for methods. The method is revealed to me the moment I am inspired to create something new. Without God to draw aside the curtain I would be helpless.
Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.
You can't teach people anything. You can only draw out.
The secret of successful retailing is to give your customers what they want
Success is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day.
Don't feel entitled to anything you didn't sweat and struggle for.
It is those who are successful, in other words, who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success. It’s the rich who get the biggest tax breaks. It’s the best students who get the best teaching and most attention. And it’s the biggest nine- and ten-year-olds who get the most coaching and practice. Success is the result of what sociologists like to call “accumulative advantage.
The reason I was successful in launching my first book with bloggers is this: I assumed that I should spend as much time on a blogger with a million-person readership as I would pitching an editor of a publication with a million person subscription-base.
This is an extraordinary achievement, nearly nine years in the making.
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