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About this quote

What does it mean?
Low ambition and a craving for praise lead to shallow fulfillment.
In plain terms
Wanting praise without real goals leaves you empty.
What can you take from it?
Seek genuine purpose, not just applause.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • set meaningful goals
  • value intrinsic rewards

Questions to consider

  • What drives your actions?
  • Do you chase approval or purpose?

Another view

Praise can be fleeting and may not reflect true achievement.

More from William Cowper

  1. Manner is all in all, whate'er is writ, The substitute for genius, sense, and wit.

    Permalink to quote #32

  2. Lights of the world, and stars of human race.

    Permalink to quote #34

  3. Freedom has a thousand charms to show, That slaves, howe'er contented, never know.

    Permalink to quote #31

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