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If a man does not have an ideal and try to live up to it…

“If a man does not have an ideal and try to live up to it, then he becomes a mean, base and sordid creature, no matter how successful.” quote by Theodore Roosevelt
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“If a man does not have an ideal and try to live up to it, then he becomes a mean, base and sordid creature, no matter how successful.”

Theodore Roosevelt

About This Quote

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

Without an ideal, success leads to moral degradation.

In simple terms: No ideal = moral decay.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate guiding ideals.

Themes

ethics success idealism

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • business leadership
  • personal development
  • public service

Key Concepts

morality philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ideal guides your actions?
  • How can you align success with values?
A Different Perspective

Success without purpose can corrupt.

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