Compensation Quote by Alfred Adler
“The striving for significance, this sense of yearning, always points out to us that all psychological phenomena contain a movement that starts from a feeling of inferiority and reach upward. The theory of Individual Psychology of psychological compensation states that the stronger the feeling of inferiority, the higher the goal for personal power.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Understanding Human Nature, 1927
Feelings of inferiority motivate individuals to strive for higher goals, shaping personal development.
In simple terms: Inferiority drives ambition.
Key Takeaway
Channel inferiority into growth.
Themes
psychology
self-improvement
motivation
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- skill learning
- personal coaching
Key Concepts
individual psychology
compensation
self-esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal goals stem from feeling inadequate?
- How can you balance ambition with self‑acceptance?
A Different Perspective
Excessive inferiority can cause burnout or unhealthy competition.
