This quote, “It is a great happiness to be praised of them that are most praise-worthy,” suggests that the highest form of praise comes from those individuals who themselves are deserving of commendation. It implies that recognition from those who are accomplished, respected, and admirable carries more weight and significance than accolades from others. This is because such individuals have proven their discernment and judgement, and thus their approval is highly valuable.

In the realm of personal development, this quote can be seen as a call to seek validation and feedback from those we respect and admire, rather than just anyone. For instance, in a professional setting, a compliment from a well-regarded, accomplished colleague or mentor can be more satisfying and motivating than general praise. Similarly, in the world of art, an artist might feel a greater sense of achievement if their work is appreciated by a renowned artist or critic.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied to various fields, from politics to sports to entertainment. For example, an emerging filmmaker might feel a deep sense of fulfillment if their work is praised by a celebrated director. In the world of sports, a young athlete would value praise from an accomplished, respected player more than from a casual observer.

This concept can also be applied on a societal level, reminding us to value quality over quantity, and to appreciate the worth of informed, discerning judgement. It also encourages us to strive for excellence, so that we may become ‘praise-worthy’ in our own right.

However, it’s also important to strike a balance and not to rely solely on external validation, but to also develop a strong sense of self-worth and personal judgement. This quote encourages us to strive for excellence, to become praise-worthy ourselves, and to value the opinions of those who have proven their merit, while also reminding us of the importance of self-validation.