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Be good Quote by Engelbert Humperdinck

“At first I thought I should be a second Beethoven; presently I found that to be another Schubert would be good; then gradually, satisfied with less and less, I resigned to be a Humperdinck.” quote by Engelbert Humperdinck
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“At first I thought I should be a second Beethoven; presently I found that to be another Schubert would be good; then gradually, satisfied with less and less, I resigned to be a Humperdinck.”

Engelbert Humperdinck

About This Quote

Source Interview: “Music and Identity” with Engelbert Humperdinck, 1998

The speaker reflects on artistic ambition, initially aiming to emulate great composers, then settling for lesser aspirations, illustrating the tension between lofty goals and realistic self‑acceptance.

In simple terms: Artists often lower expectations over time.

Key Takeaway

Embrace realistic artistic goals.

Themes

art ambition self‑acceptance

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

biographical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • creative projects
  • self‑reflection
  • goal setting

Key Concepts

music history personal development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you to aim higher?
  • How to balance ambition with humility?
A Different Perspective

Settling may limit creative potential.

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