Skip to content

I remind young people everywhere I go, one of the worst…

“I remind young people everywhere I go, one of the worst things the older generation did was to tell them for twenty-five years "Be successful, be successful, be successful" as opposed to "Be great, be great, be great". There's a qualitative difference.” quote by Cornel West
Download Open image
“I remind young people everywhere I go, one of the worst things the older generation did was to tell them for twenty-five years "Be successful, be successful, be successful" as opposed to "Be great, be great, be great". There's a qualitative difference.”

Cornel West

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Older generations push constant success, but true greatness requires deeper purpose and impact.

In simple terms: Success focus vs greatness focus

Key Takeaway

Aim for lasting impact, not just achievement

Themes

purpose legacy growth

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career mentorship
  • education reform
  • personal development

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we teach greatness over success?
  • What does greatness mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Greatness may be harder to define and measure.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Cornel West

Explore all 400 Cornel West quotes

More Being successful quotes

Browse all 1,002 Being successful quotes