--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Strength and success; they are above…" description: "\"Strength and success; they are above morality, above criticism. It seems then, that it is not what you do, but how you do it and what you call it.\" — J..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/john-steinbeck-71_character_strength-and-success-they-are-above-mora_156686.jpg" --- # Strength and success; they are above morality, above… ![“Strength and success; they are above morality, above criticism. It seems then, that it is not what you do, but how you do it and what you call it.” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/john-steinbeck-71_character_strength-and-success-they-are-above-mora_156686.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/john-steinbeck-71_character_strength-and-success-they-are-above-mora_156686.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/john-steinbeck-71_character_strength-and-success-they-are-above-mora_156686.jpg) > “Strength and success; they are above morality, above criticism. It seems then, that it is not what you do, but how you do it and what you call it.” [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Success is judged by how actions are performed and labeled, not merely by outcomes, placing morality and criticism secondary. **In simple terms:** Success depends on method and labeling, not just results. Key Takeaway Focus on ethical methods and clear intentions. Themes ethics success perception criticism methodology Mood reflective critical thoughtful Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - business leadership - political decision making - personal ambition - public relations Key Concepts moral philosophy social perception ethical relativism Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure your methods align with your values? - What labels shape how others view your success? A Different Perspective Ignoring morality can erode trust and long‑term legitimacy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Morality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morality/) [Strength](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strength/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [“To most of the world success is never bad. I remember how, when Hitler moved unchecked and triumphant, many honorable men sought and found…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/to-most-of-the-world-success-is-never-bad-i-remember-how-when-hitler/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [Strength and success - they are above morality, above criticism. 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