This quote speaks to the human tendency to emulate or aspire to what we admire. Essentially, it’s a reminder that our actions, goals, and behavior are often shaped by what we hold in high esteem. So, if we admire integrity and kindness, we will likely strive to act with integrity and kindness. Conversely, if we admire deceit and manipulation, we might find ourselves behaving in less than admirable ways.

The quote is a call to mindfulness about what we choose to admire – because our admiration can act as a compass, guiding our actions and decisions. It’s about being intentional and careful about what we respect and look up to, as it will inevitably influence our own behavior and character.

Applying this to personal development, it suggests that we should consciously choose role models who embody the qualities we want to cultivate in ourselves. If we want to be more compassionate, we should admire compassionate people. If we want to be successful in business, we should admire ethical and successful business people.

In today’s world, this concept is particularly relevant. We live in an era of social media where we are constantly exposed to different lifestyles, ideologies, and personalities. It’s easy to get caught up in admiring superficial qualities like wealth, fame, or physical appearance. But this quote reminds us to look deeper and admire qualities that truly matter and contribute to our growth as individuals.

In essence, this quote is a reminder that admiration is not a passive act. It’s an active choice that can shape our lives in significant ways. So, we should be careful about what we admire and ensure that it aligns with the kind of person we aspire to become.