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About this quote

What does it mean?
Achievements bring glory but also have hidden costs or negative consequences.
In plain terms
Success has both good and bad sides.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the downsides of success.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on achievements
  • evaluating success
  • career decisions

Putting it to work

  • weigh pros and cons
  • assess true cost

Questions to consider

  • What does success cost you?
  • Is the trade worth it?

Another view

Some achievements have no significant negative shadow.

More from Winston Churchill

  1. Why stand when you can sit?

    Permalink to quote #199
  2. Withhold no sacrifice, begrudge no toil, seek no sordid gain, fear no foe, all will be well.

    Permalink to quote #201
  3. When you are winning a war almost everything that happens can be claimed to be right and wise.

    Permalink to quote #198

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