Esteem Quote by Marcel Proust
““We are delighted when a Minister awards us a decoration, even when we have no claim to be thus honoured, but if he follows this up by awarding the same distinction to others who occupy a position similar to our own, we feel inclined to keep him, if we can, from so foolishly cheapening the mark of esteem which he has bestowed upon us.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1, 1913
People feel threatened when others receive the same honor, fearing it devalues their own recognition.
In simple terms: Seeing others share an award can make you feel your honor is less special.
Key Takeaway
Guard your sense of worth without demeaning others.
Themes
esteem
insecurity
recognition
social comparison
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- workplace awards
- academic honors
- public recognitions
- team achievements
Key Concepts
pride
status anxiety
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value personal prestige over communal celebration?
- How can you celebrate others without feeling diminished?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the collective value of shared achievements.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
