Skip to content

Big deal Quote by Hilary Thayer Hamann

“When you stop looking forward to things, you get used to low expectations and you realise, what's the big deal about success anyway? If we're all to attain everything we've been conditioned to desire - wealth, fame, education, prestige, security - then those things will become so prevalent that…” quote by Hilary Thayer Hamann
Download Open image
““When you stop looking forward to things, you get used to low expectations and you realise, what's the big deal about success anyway? If we're all to attain everything we've been conditioned to desire - wealth, fame, education, prestige, security - then those things will become so prevalent that they'll become meaningless.””

Hilary Thayer Hamann

About This Quote

Source Book: The Last Days of New Paris by China Miéville, 2013

Constantly seeking external validation leads to low expectations and emptiness; true fulfillment comes from intrinsic values, not societal benchmarks.

In simple terms: Chasing status makes success feel meaningless.

Key Takeaway

Focus on personal growth over external rewards.

Themes

expectations fulfillment societal pressure intrinsic values

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • personal relationships
  • financial planning
  • creative projects
  • mental health

Key Concepts

meaning existentialism consumerism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly matters to you beyond societal standards?
  • How can you cultivate internal satisfaction?
A Different Perspective

External validation can be addictive and hard to replace.

4.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Hilary Thayer Hamann

Explore all 47 Hilary Thayer Hamann quotes

More Big deal quotes

Browse all 1,274 Big deal quotes