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About this quote

What does it mean?
Success is portrayed as something that makes others resent you or view it negatively.
In plain terms
Succeeding makes other people angry at you.
What can you take from it?
Success can create enemies.

Where it applies

  • achieving goals
  • leading others
  • competing

Putting it to work

  • expect criticism
  • handle jealousy

Questions to consider

  • Why do people hate success?
  • Is success selfish?

Another view

Not everyone views success as a sin.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Selfish, adj. Devoid of consideration for the selfishness of others.

    Permalink to quote #79
  2. Twice, adv. Once too often.

    Permalink to quote #81
  3. Scriptures, n. The sacred books of our holy religion, as distinguished from the false and profane writings on which all other faiths are based.

    Permalink to quote #78

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