Applause Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“Great minds had rather deserve contemporaneous applause without obtaining it, than obtain without deserving it. If it follow them it is well, but they will not deviate to follow it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Miscellany, 1820
Deserves recognition only when truly earned, not merely for being timely.
In simple terms: Earn respect by merit, not by being first.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine achievement over fleeting applause.
Themes
integrity
recognition
timeliness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- public speaking
- academic publishing
Key Concepts
ethics
social validation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value praise that comes after effort?
- How does timing affect perceived worth?
A Different Perspective
Recognition can be fleeting and may not reflect true value.
![“All the shows we did pre-airdate, and I'd come out - "Rob Lowe!" - and it was [Offers bored applause.] After the show aired? I came out - "Rob Lowe!" - and the place was, like, bedlam. And then the next week, they wouldn't let anyone under the age of 20 into the audience. And I'm going, "So that's…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/rob-lowe-855_age_all-the-shows-we-did-pre-airdate-and-i-d_31307.jpg)
