Discipline Quote by Allan Bloom
“The first discipline modernity's originators imposed upon themselves was that of self-restraint, learning to live with vulgarity. Their high expectations for effectiveness were made possible by low expectations of what was to be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom, 1987
Modern thinkers demanded self-discipline, embracing vulgarity to achieve high effectiveness through modest expectations.
In simple terms: Self-restraint enables effectiveness despite low expectations.
Key Takeaway
Embrace modest expectations to boost effectiveness.
Themes
self-discipline
modernity
effectiveness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- academic pursuits
- social critique
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self-restraint shape personal success?
- What role does vulgarity play in modern life?
A Different Perspective
Low expectations may limit ambition.
![“It is essential [...] that discipline should not be practiced like a rule imposed on oneself from the outside, but that it becomes an expression of one's own will; that it is felt as pleasant, and that one slowly accustoms oneself to a kind of behavior which one would eventually miss, if one…” quote by Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc3/erich-fromm-367_discipline_it-is-essential-that-discipline-should-n_2615916.jpg)
