Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
People prefer the idea of status over personal growth.
In plain terms
People want to be important, not to develop.
What can you take from it?
Focus on self‑improvement rather than chasing titles.

Where it applies

  • career advancement
  • social media
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • set learning goals
  • seek feedback

Questions to consider

  • What do you value more: reputation or development?

Another view

Some may argue growth can also bring status.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. Even the lowliest, provided he is whole, can be happy, and in his own way, perfect.

    Permalink to quote #107
  2. Everything in the world may be endured except continued prosperity.

    Permalink to quote #109
  3. Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.

    Permalink to quote #106

Related quotes

  1. Personality is reduced and deformed with depleted thoughts and stagnant mind.

    Hussein of JordanHussein of Jordan quote #27
  2. He is a small man in search of a balcony.

    Rudy GiulianiRudy Giuliani quote #35
  3. A dynamic struggle goes on within a person between what he or she consciously thinks on the one hand and, on the other, some insight, some perspective that is …

    Rollo MayRollo May quote #48