Bad habit Quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin
““Chase has fallen into two bad habits… . He thinks he has become indispensable to the country… . He also thinks he ought to be President; he has no doubt whatever about that.” These two unfortunate tendencies, Lincoln explained, had made Chase “irritable, uncomfortable, so that he is never perfectly happy unless he is thoroughly miserable.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, 2005
Lincoln warned that believing oneself indispensable and aspiring to power can breed irritability and chronic dissatisfaction.
In simple terms: Thinking you're essential and seeking power can cause unhappiness.
Key Takeaway
Beware of ego-driven ambition.
Themes
ego
power
leadership
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
advice
historical.
When to use this quote
- corporate leadership
- government roles
- personal career planning
Key Concepts
hubris
self‑importance
political ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel your role is irreplaceable?
- How might humility improve your satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Such attitudes may lead to burnout and poor decision‑making.
