Skip to content

Do not trouble yourselves about standards or ideals; but…

“Do not trouble yourselves about standards or ideals; but try to be faithful and natural: remember that there is no greatness, no beauty, which does not come from truth to your own knowledge of things; and keep on working, even if your work is not long remembered.” quote by William Dean Howells
Download Open image
“Do not trouble yourselves about standards or ideals; but try to be faithful and natural: remember that there is no greatness, no beauty, which does not come from truth to your own knowledge of things; and keep on working, even if your work is not long remembered.”

William Dean Howells

About This Quote

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

Encourages focusing on authenticity and personal truth over external standards, urging persistent effort regardless of lasting fame.

In simple terms: Be true and keep working, even if forgotten.

Key Takeaway

Value honesty, keep creating.

Themes

integrity effort humility legacy truth

Mood

thoughtful inspirational determined

Type

essay philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • artistic pursuits
  • career building
  • personal growth
  • teaching

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics motivation self-development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you measure success beyond recognition?
  • What truths guide your work?
A Different Perspective

Greatness often depends on external validation, which can be fleeting.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Dean Howells

Explore all 64 William Dean Howells quotes

More Beauty quotes

Browse all 24,662 Beauty quotes