--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you have been wise and successful I…" description: "\"If you have been wise and successful I congratulate you. Unless you are unable to forget how successful you have been, then I pity you.\" — Napoleon Hill" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/napoleon-hill-201_forget_if-you-have-been-wise-and-successful-i-c_2024154.jpg" --- # If you have been wise and successful I congratulate you… ![“If you have been wise and successful I congratulate you. Unless you are unable to forget how successful you have been, then I pity you.” quote by Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/napoleon-hill-201_forget_if-you-have-been-wise-and-successful-i-c_2024154.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/napoleon-hill-201_forget_if-you-have-been-wise-and-successful-i-c_2024154.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/napoleon-hill-201_forget_if-you-have-been-wise-and-successful-i-c_2024154.jpg) > “If you have been wise and successful I congratulate you. Unless you are unable to forget how successful you have been, then I pity you.” [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Success can become a trap if you cling to past achievements; true wisdom is letting go and staying humble. **In simple terms:** Clinging to past success hinders growth. Key Takeaway Stay humble, keep learning. Themes humility success growth Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - business leadership - personal development - post‑career transition Key Concepts psychology of achievement mindset legacy Questions to Reflect On - What past success still defines you? - How can you cultivate humility now? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on past glory may breed complacency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Congratulate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/congratulate/) [Congratulate Unless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/congratulate-unless-3682067/) [Forget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forget/) [Forget Successful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forget-successful-3682068/) [Has beens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/has-beens/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Pity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pity/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Successful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/successful/) [Successful Congratulate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/successful-congratulate-3682069/) [Successful Pity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/successful-pity-3682066/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) ## Related quotes > [Just wanted to congratulate myself on sitting through your graduation ceremony.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/just-wanted-to-congratulate-myself-on-sitting-through-your-graduation/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Be true to your own act and congratulate yourself if you have done something strange and extravagant to break the monotony of a decorous…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/be-true-to-your-own-act-and-congratulate-yourself-if-you-have-done/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [I must congratulate myself, in passing, for never having lost the ability to examine my conscience, never having lost the gift of finding myself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-mccourt/i-must-congratulate-myself-in-passing-for-never-having-lost-the/) [Frank McCourt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-mccourt/) > [In conclusion I congratulate you, my fellow-citizens, upon the high state of prosperity to which the goodness of Divine Providence has conducted our common…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zachary-taylor/in-conclusion-i-congratulate-you-my-fellow-citizens-upon-the-high/) [Zachary Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zachary-taylor/) > [I not only rejoice, but congratulate my beloved country Texas is reannexed, and the safety, prosperity, and the greatest interest of the whole Union…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-jackson/i-not-only-rejoice-but-congratulate-my-beloved-country-texas-is/) [Andrew Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-jackson/) > [It's incredible because I've made people proud across the continent. Everywhere in Africa, when I walk in the street, people stop to congratulate me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edouard-mendy/it-s-incredible-because-i-ve-made-people-proud-across-the-continent/) [Edouard Mendy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edouard-mendy/) > [It is a success, you truly deserved. It is an achievement you have truly earned. I congratulate you on your success and wish you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-a-success-you-truly-deserved-it-is-an-achievement-you-have/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Men met each other with erected look, The steps were higher that they took; Friends to congratulate their friends made haste, And long inveterate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dryden/men-met-each-other-with-erected-look-the-steps-were-higher-that-they/) [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) > [I congratulate you, my brave countrymen and fellow soldiers, on the spirit and success with which you have executed this important part of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-wolfe/i-congratulate-you-my-brave-countrymen-and-fellow-soldiers-on-the/) [James Wolfe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-wolfe/) > [I've been in things that have impressed people and they've come up to congratulate you but in a kind of, you-must-think-you're-really-special way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-mcgovern/i-ve-been-in-things-that-have-impressed-people-and-they-ve-come-up-to/) [Elizabeth McGovern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-mcgovern/) > [It is in an artist's real interest to congratulate herself more often: not out of narcissism, but in her role as her own dear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-maisel/it-is-in-an-artist-s-real-interest-to-congratulate-herself-more-often/) [Eric Maisel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-maisel/) > [“His grin seemed to say, “It is, for some strange reason, considered proper to congratulate people on such occasions as this.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natsume-s-seki/his-grin-seemed-to-say-it-is-for-some-strange-reason-considered/) [Natsume Sōseki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natsume-s-seki/) > [We can only congratulate Edinson Cavani with all the hard work he has been putting in. He really is a team player and we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaise-matuidi/we-can-only-congratulate-edinson-cavani-with-all-the-hard-work-he-has/) [Blaise Matuidi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaise-matuidi/) > [Allow me, in conclusion, to congratulate you warmly upon your sexual intercourse, as well as your singing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muriel-spark/allow-me-in-conclusion-to-congratulate-you-warmly-upon-your-sexual/) [Muriel Spark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muriel-spark/) > [You've travelled through life together Enjoying years of wedded bliss We congratulate you on reaching And we toast your happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-walter-bratton/you-ve-travelled-through-life-together-enjoying-years-of-wedded-bliss/) [John Walter Bratton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-walter-bratton/) ## More by Napoleon Hill > [Your world will change whether or not you choose to change, but you have the power to choose it's direction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/your-world-will-change-whether-or-not-you-choose-to-change-but-you/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The best way to succeed in this world is to act on the advice you give to others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/the-best-way-to-succeed-in-this-world-is-to-act-on-the-advice-you/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [A state of mind is something that one assumes. It cannot be purchased, it must be created.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/a-state-of-mind-is-something-that-one-assumes-it-cannot-be-purchased/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The mind requires regular use to remain strong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/the-mind-requires-regular-use-to-remain-strong/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The vast majority of people are born, grow up, struggle and go through life in misery and failure, not realizing that it would be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/the-vast-majority-of-people-are-born-grow-up-struggle-and-go-through/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [No accurate thinker will judge another person by that which the other person's enemies say about him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/no-accurate-thinker-will-judge-another-person-by-that-which-the-other/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [“To all these I wish to convey the thought that all achievement, no matter what may be its nature, or its purpose, must begin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/to-all-these-i-wish-to-convey-the-thought-that-all-achievement-no/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [“Tell the world what you intend to do, but first show it.” This”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/tell-the-world-what-you-intend-to-do-but-first-show-it-this/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [Handicaps can be converted into stepping stones on which one may climb toward some worthy goal, unless they are accepted as obstacles, and used…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/handicaps-can-be-converted-into-stepping-stones-on-which-one-may/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [You become what you think about](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/you-become-what-you-think-about/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [Every man's own character is written so all who will may read it, in the expression of his eyes, the tone of his voice,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/every-man-s-own-character-is-written-so-all-who-will-may-read-it-in/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [Life is a mirror of your consistent thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/life-is-a-mirror-of-your-consistent-thoughts/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [Success requires no explanations. Failure permits no alibis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/success-requires-no-explanations-failure-permits-no-alibis/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The habit of taking the line of least resistance makes all rivers and some men crooked.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/the-habit-of-taking-the-line-of-least-resistance-makes-all-rivers-and/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [“There are no limitations to the mind except those that we acknowledge.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/there-are-no-limitations-to-the-mind-except-those-that-we-acknowledge/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) [Explore all 928 Napoleon Hill quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) ## More Congratulate quotes > [Just wanted to congratulate myself on sitting through your graduation ceremony.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/just-wanted-to-congratulate-myself-on-sitting-through-your-graduation/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Allow me, in conclusion, to congratulate you warmly upon your sexual intercourse, as well as your singing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muriel-spark/allow-me-in-conclusion-to-congratulate-you-warmly-upon-your-sexual/) [Muriel Spark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muriel-spark/) > [We can only congratulate Edinson Cavani with all the hard work he has been putting in. He really is a team player and we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaise-matuidi/we-can-only-congratulate-edinson-cavani-with-all-the-hard-work-he-has/) [Blaise Matuidi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaise-matuidi/) > [“His grin seemed to say, “It is, for some strange reason, considered proper to congratulate people on such occasions as this.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natsume-s-seki/his-grin-seemed-to-say-it-is-for-some-strange-reason-considered/) [Natsume Sōseki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natsume-s-seki/) > [It is in an artist's real interest to congratulate herself more often: not out of narcissism, but in her role as her own dear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-maisel/it-is-in-an-artist-s-real-interest-to-congratulate-herself-more-often/) [Eric Maisel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-maisel/) > [I've been in things that have impressed people and they've come up to congratulate you but in a kind of, you-must-think-you're-really-special way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-mcgovern/i-ve-been-in-things-that-have-impressed-people-and-they-ve-come-up-to/) [Elizabeth McGovern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-mcgovern/) > [I congratulate you, my brave countrymen and fellow soldiers, on the spirit and success with which you have executed this important part of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-wolfe/i-congratulate-you-my-brave-countrymen-and-fellow-soldiers-on-the/) [James Wolfe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-wolfe/) > [Men met each other with erected look, The steps were higher that they took; Friends to congratulate their friends made haste, And long inveterate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dryden/men-met-each-other-with-erected-look-the-steps-were-higher-that-they/) [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) > [It is a success, you truly deserved. It is an achievement you have truly earned. I congratulate you on your success and wish you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-a-success-you-truly-deserved-it-is-an-achievement-you-have/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It's incredible because I've made people proud across the continent. Everywhere in Africa, when I walk in the street, people stop to congratulate me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edouard-mendy/it-s-incredible-because-i-ve-made-people-proud-across-the-continent/) [Edouard Mendy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edouard-mendy/) > [I not only rejoice, but congratulate my beloved country Texas is reannexed, and the safety, prosperity, and the greatest interest of the whole Union…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-jackson/i-not-only-rejoice-but-congratulate-my-beloved-country-texas-is/) [Andrew Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-jackson/) > [In conclusion I congratulate you, my fellow-citizens, upon the high state of prosperity to which the goodness of Divine Providence has conducted our common…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zachary-taylor/in-conclusion-i-congratulate-you-my-fellow-citizens-upon-the-high/) [Zachary Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zachary-taylor/) > [I must congratulate myself, in passing, for never having lost the ability to examine my conscience, never having lost the gift of finding myself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-mccourt/i-must-congratulate-myself-in-passing-for-never-having-lost-the/) [Frank McCourt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-mccourt/) > [Be true to your own act and congratulate yourself if you have done something strange and extravagant to break the monotony of a decorous…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/be-true-to-your-own-act-and-congratulate-yourself-if-you-have-done/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [You've travelled through life together Enjoying years of wedded bliss We congratulate you on reaching And we toast your happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-walter-bratton/you-ve-travelled-through-life-together-enjoying-years-of-wedded-bliss/) [John Walter Bratton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-walter-bratton/) [Browse all 91 Congratulate quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/congratulate/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If you have been wise and successful I congratulate you. 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