The fame of great men ought to be judged always by their big, fancy names.

What did François de La Rochefoucauld mean by:

The fame of great men ought to be judged always by their big, fancy names.

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This quote is a satirical commentary on the societal tendency to associate greatness with superficial factors such as titles, names, and outward appearances. It suggests that the fame or greatness of an individual should not be judged by their “big, fancy names”, implying that true greatness lies in one’s character, actions, and contributions rather than in their title or name. It’s a critique of the superficiality of societal values, implying that we often mistakenly equate fame or notoriety with true greatness.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see that we often give undue importance to people with “big names”, be it celebrities, politicians, or influential people in various fields. We often equate their fame or influence with greatness, disregarding the fact that true greatness is about one’s character, values, and contributions to society. This can lead to a culture of idolizing celebrities and influential people without critically examining their actions and values.

In terms of personal development, this quote reminds us to not get swayed by outward appearances or superficial factors. It encourages us to focus on developing our character, values, and contributions rather than seeking fame or recognition. It also reminds us to not judge others based on their titles or outward appearances, but rather on their character and actions. It’s a call to shift our focus from the superficial to the substantial, from the outward to the inward, and from the ephemeral to the enduring.

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