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About this quote

What does it mean?
The best people give up everything for lasting fame, while most live like cattle, stuffed with trivial pursuits.
In plain terms
Greatness requires focus; most people are distracted.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize meaningful goals over fleeting distractions.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • personal ambition

Putting it to work

  • set a single clear goal
  • avoid over‑commitment

Questions to consider

  • What would you sacrifice for a lasting impact?
  • How do you identify meaningful goals?

Another view

Not everyone seeks fame; fulfillment varies.

More from Heraclitus

  1. Poor witnesses for men are their eyes and ears if they have barbarian souls.

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. The eyes are more exact witnesses than the ears.

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.

    Permalink to quote #36

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  3. Ambition is the death of thought. (p. 77e)

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