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About this quote

What does it mean?
Claiming to be self-made is ironic if you credit your own creation as a god.
In plain terms
Calling yourself self-made is silly if you worship the person you made.
What can you take from it?
True self-reliance avoids worshipping the ego or self-image.

Where it applies

  • self-promotion
  • biographies
  • entrepreneurial pride

Putting it to work

  • leadership humility
  • self-reflection
  • public image

Questions to consider

  • Who do you credit for your success?
  • How much of yourself do you worship?

Another view

Taking credit for success can be motivating even if imperfect.

More from William Cowper

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  2. Absence of proof is not proof of absence.

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  3. But many a crime deem'd innocent on earth Is register'd in Heaven; and these no doubt Have each their record, with a curse annex'd. Man may dismiss compassion …

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