Accomplished Quote by Alice Miller
“Quite often I have been faced with people who were praised and admired for their talents and their achievements... According to prevailing attitudes, these people-the pride and joy of their parents-should have had a strong and stable sense of self-assurance. But the case is exactly the opposite... Whenever they suddenly get the feeling they have failed to live up to some ideal image or have not measured up to some standard, then they are plagued by anxiety or deep feelings of guilt and shame. What are the reasons for such disturbances in these competent, accomplished people?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller, 1979
High expectations from others can create inner conflict, leading competent anxiety and shame when self‑image doesn’t match external praise.
In simple terms: External praise can cause inner insecurity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and separate self‑worth from external validation.
Themes
self‑esteem
expectations
psychology
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
psychological
insightful
When to use this quote
- parenting
- career advancement
- creative professions
- leadership roles
Key Concepts
identity
self‑concept
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success beyond others' approval?
- What inner resources can you develop to buffer external pressure?
A Different Perspective
Even praised individuals may lack internal validation, making them vulnerable to self‑criticism.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
