Applause Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“The truly great consider, first, how they may gain the approbation of God, and, secondly, that of their own conscience. Having done this, they would then willingly conciliate the good opinion of their fellow-men. But the truly little reverse the thing. The primary object with them is to secure the applause of their fellow-men; and having effected this, the approbation of God and their own conscience may follow on as they can.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays on the Art of Being, 1820
A truly great person seeks God's approval and personal conscience first, then the opinion of others; the petty seek only public applause, hoping divine and self‑approval will follow.
In simple terms: Great people prioritize inner and divine approval before caring about others' opinions.
Key Takeaway
Seek integrity before seeking praise.
Themes
integrity
humility
virtue
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- public speaking
- community service
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
self‑validation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize inner conscience over external praise?
- How does seeking divine approval shape your actions?
A Different Perspective
Public approval can be fleeting and may compromise personal values.
![“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)
