Achievement Quote by Allan Bloom
“In America we have only the bourgeoisie, and the love of the heroic is one of the few counterpoises available to us. In us the contempt for the heroic is only an extension of the perversion of the democratic principle that denies greatness and wants everyone to feel comfortable in his skin without having to suffer unpleasant comparisons. Students have not the slightest notion of what an achievement it is to free oneself from public guidance and find resources for guidance within oneself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Closing of the American Mind, 1987
The heroic ideal counters a culture that suppresses greatness, urging individuals to seek self‑guided achievement beyond democratic complacency.
In simple terms: Heroism opposes mediocrity.
Key Takeaway
Pursue personal excellence.
Themes
heroism
individualism
culture
democracy
achievement
Mood
critical
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- personal development
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
philosophical critique
self‑actualization
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What does heroism mean to you?
- How can one balance personal greatness with communal harmony?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure may discourage standing out.
