--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is great incongruity in this idea…" description: "\"There is great incongruity in this idea of monuments, since those to whom they are usually dedicated need no such recognition to embalm their memory; a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_dedicated_there-is-great-incongruity-in-this-idea_2945175.jpg" --- # There is great incongruity in this idea of monuments… ![“There is great incongruity in this idea of monuments, since those to whom they are usually dedicated need no such recognition to embalm their memory; and any man who does, is not worthy of one.” quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_dedicated_there-is-great-incongruity-in-this-idea_2945175.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_dedicated_there-is-great-incongruity-in-this-idea_2945175.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97f/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_dedicated_there-is-great-incongruity-in-this-idea_2945175.jpg) > “There is great incongruity in this idea of monuments, since those to whom they are usually dedicated need no such recognition to embalm their memory; and any man who does, is not worthy of one.” [Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-hawthorne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Monuments honor those who need no recognition; those who seek it are unworthy. **In simple terms:** True greatness needs no tribute. Key Takeaway Value humility over fame. Themes humility recognition legacy ego Mood reflective critical Type philosophical social When to use this quote - public commemoration - leadership - self‑promotion - historical memory Key Concepts social values memorialization Questions to Reflect On - Do we need physical symbols for memory? - How does ego affect our desire for monuments? A Different Perspective Some may view monuments as necessary cultural symbols. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dedicated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dedicated/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Embalm Memory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/embalm-memory-4410634/) [Idea Monuments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idea-monuments-4410633/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Incongruity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/incongruity/) [Memories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/memories/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Monument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monument/) [Monuments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monuments/) [Monuments Usually](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monuments-usually-4410631/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [Not worthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/not-worthy/) [Recognition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recognition/) [Recognition Embalm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recognition-embalm-4410632/) [Worthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worthy/) ## Related quotes > [Yet again, an ancient answer echoes across the centuries: Listen! 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