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Inspirational Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Personality is a physical matter almost entirely; it lowers the people it acts on - I've seen it vanish in a long sickness. But while a personality is active, it overrides 'the next thing.' Now a personage, on the other hand, gathers. He is never thought of apart from what he's done. He's a bar on…” quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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““Personality is a physical matter almost entirely; it lowers the people it acts on - I've seen it vanish in a long sickness. But while a personality is active, it overrides 'the next thing.' Now a personage, on the other hand, gathers. He is never thought of apart from what he's done. He's a bar on which a thousand things have been hung — glittering things sometimes, as ours are; but he uses those things with a cold mentality back of them.””

F. Scott Fitzgerald

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Great Gatsby, 1925

Personality is a fleeting, dominant force that can dominate actions, while reputation is built from deeds over time.

In simple terms: Personality is temporary; reputation endures.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate lasting deeds over fleeting traits.

Themes

identity reputation legacy human nature

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • career
  • relationships
  • public life
  • personal branding

Key Concepts

psychology social perception existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lasting impact do you want to leave?
  • How can you balance authenticity with reputation?
A Different Perspective

Personality can be manipulated.

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