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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker dismisses criticism of his lifestyle as a natural cost of being great.
In plain terms
People criticize great people for their habits.
What can you take from it?
Success often invites judgment from others.

Where it applies

  • public life
  • dealing with critics

Putting it to work

  • ignore unfair criticism
  • own your choices

Questions to consider

  • Do you accept criticism for your choices?
  • What defines greatness to you?

Another view

It justifies harmful behavior under the guise of greatness.

More from W. C. Fields

  1. If you can't razzle them with dazzle, baffle them with bullshit.

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  2. A lot of people have bad luck. They should just be like Fields and not give a fuck.

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. Here you have some razor blades. And now, play with them!

    Permalink to quote #72

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