Ability Quote by Lyndon B. Johnson
“It is not uncommon for those who at their first entrance into the world were distinguished for attainments or abilities, to disappoint the hopes which they had raised, and to end in neglect and obscurity that life which they began in honour. To the long catalogue of the inconveniences of old age, which moral and satirical writers have so copiously displayed, may be often added the loss of fame.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Aging and Legacy, Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965
Highlights that early promise does not guarantee lasting fame; many fade into obscurity despite early distinction.
In simple terms: Early success often fades over time.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the impermanence of fame.
Themes
mortality
humility
legacy
vanity
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- career retrospectives
- personal reflections
- historical analysis
- literary critique
Key Concepts
ephemeral nature of reputation
human ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prepare for potential decline in recognition?
- What actions preserve lasting impact?
A Different Perspective
Not all early achievers lose status; some maintain influence.
![“In the middle of my second year at school, in 1943, I got drafted into the army, was gone for three years, and when I came back, I tried to get into the painting classes which I wanted, but because of all the returned GIs [the GI Bill], everyone was in school and the classes were all full. So I…” quote by Warren MacKenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e62/warren-mackenzie-4654_army_in-the-middle-of-my-second-year-at-schoo_674284.jpg)
