Careers Quote by Paul Newman
“At the beginning of your career, it's 'Who is Paul Newman?' and then it's 'Get me Paul Newman.' Then it's 'Get me a young Paul Newman.' Then it's 'Who is Paul Newman?'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Business Magazine, 1995
Career progression shifts from admiration of a legend to seeking their qualities, then to wanting a younger version, and finally back to curiosity about the legend.
In simple terms: Career phases move from idolizing to wanting to emulate, then back to curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace learning at each career stage.
Themes
career development
identity
aspiration
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
career advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career transitions
- celebrity culture
- media interviews
Key Concepts
personal growth
mentorship
industry networking
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does seeking a “young Paul Newman” reveal about your goals?
- How can you balance admiration with personal authenticity?
A Different Perspective
The desire for a younger version may overlook the value of experience.
![“They [Tom Hanks and Paul Newman] were simply always high level masters, and taught me as a kid actor never to be an a*shole to anybody, because it would be very tough to get past where they are.” quote by Tyler Hoechlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d71/tyler-hoechlin-14575_actors_they-tom-hanks-and-paul-newman-were-simp_427683.jpg)
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
