Business Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity. It becomes cheap as it becomes vulgar, and will no longer raise expectation or animate enterprise.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Idler", No. 9, 1759
Scarcity gives value to praise; when it becomes common, it loses impact and no longer motivates.
In simple terms: Rare praise is valuable; common praise is cheap.
Key Takeaway
Preserve the rarity of genuine praise.
Themes
value
praise
scarcity
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
ethical
advisory
When to use this quote
- leadership feedback
- marketing slogans
- public recognition
Key Concepts
motivation
social validation
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you give praise?
- How to keep praise meaningful?
A Different Perspective
Overusing praise can dilute its effectiveness.
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