Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Praise feels shameful because it reveals a hidden desire for validation.
In plain terms
Being praised shames you because you wanted it.
What can you take from it?
Recognize your desire for approval when praised.

Where it applies

  • receiving compliments
  • public recognition
  • self-awareness

Putting it to work

  • reflect on motives
  • seek intrinsic worth
  • accept praise gracefully

Questions to consider

  • Why does praise make you uncomfortable?
  • What do you seek from others?

Another view

Seeking validation is a normal human trait not always shameful.

More from Rabindranath Tagore

  1. Our nature is obscured by work done by the compulsion of want or fear. The mother reveals herself in the service of her children, so our true freedom is not th…

    Permalink to quote #112
  2. Religion is not a fractional thing that can be doled out in fixed weekly or daily measures as one among various subjects in the school syllabus. It is the trut…

    Permalink to quote #114
  3. Our creation is the modification of relationship.

    Permalink to quote #111

Related quotes

  1. Hollywood dishes out too much praise for small things I won't let it get me, but too much praise can turn a fellow's head if he doesn't watch his step.

    James (Jimmy) StewartJames (Jimmy) Stewart quote #5
  2. The love of praise, howe'er concealed by art, Reigns more or less, and glows in ev'ry heart.

    Edward YoungEdward Young quote #11
  3. Nothing is so silly as the expression of a man who is being complimented.

    Andre GideAndre Gide quote #31