--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Men should soon make up their minds to be…" description: "\"Men should soon make up their minds to be forgotten, and look about them, or within them, for some higher motive in what they do than the approbation o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0e/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_care_men-should-soon-make-up-their-minds-to-b_2884341.jpg" --- # Men should soon make up their minds to be forgotten, and… ![“Men should soon make up their minds to be forgotten, and look about them, or within them, for some higher motive in what they do than the approbation of men, which is fame, namely, their duty; that they should be constantly and quietly at work, each in his sphere, regardless of effects, and…” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0e/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_care_men-should-soon-make-up-their-minds-to-b_2884341.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0e/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_care_men-should-soon-make-up-their-minds-to-b_2884341.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0e/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_care_men-should-soon-make-up-their-minds-to-b_2884341.jpg) > “Men should soon make up their minds to be forgotten, and look about them, or within them, for some higher motive in what they do than the approbation of men, which is fame, namely, their duty; that they should be constantly and quietly at work, each in his sphere, regardless of effects, and leaving their fame to take care of itself.” [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. One should work quietly for higher purposes, not for fame, letting reputation manage itself. **In simple terms:** Work for purpose, not fame. Key Takeaway Focus on duty over recognition. Themes purpose humility work ethic Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - career - volunteering - personal development Key Concepts ethics existentialism Questions to Reflect On - What motivates your work? - How to stay humble in success? A Different Perspective Fame can distract from true goals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Effects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effects/) [Fame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fame/) [Fame Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fame-care-1630881/) [Fame Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fame-duty-4015170/) [Forgotten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgotten/) [Higher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher/) [Leaving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leaving/) [Leaving Fame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leaving-fame-4015171/) [Looks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looks/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Men Fame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-fame-1714415/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Motive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motive/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Spheres](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spheres/) [Take care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/take-care/) ## Related quotes > [If we had our priorities straight as a country, we'd consider leaving fame behind a mark of wisdom and character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-e-cupp/if-we-had-our-priorities-straight-as-a-country-we-d-consider-leaving/) [S.E. 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