--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Generally, we admire the thing we are not." description: "\"Generally, we admire the thing we are not.\" — Stephen Fry" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c6/stephen-fry-573_admire_generally-we-admire-the-thing-we-are-not_2673610.png" --- # Generally, we admire the thing we are not. ![“Generally, we admire the thing we are not.” quote by Stephen Fry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c6/stephen-fry-573_admire_generally-we-admire-the-thing-we-are-not_2673610.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c6/stephen-fry-573_admire_generally-we-admire-the-thing-we-are-not_2673610.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c6/stephen-fry-573_admire_generally-we-admire-the-thing-we-are-not_2673610.png) > “Generally, we admire the thing we are not.” [Stephen Fry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-fry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People tend to admire qualities they lack, revealing envy and aspiration. **In simple terms:** We admire what we don’t have. Key Takeaway Recognize admiration as a growth cue. Themes envy aspiration self‑awareness Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical contemporary When to use this quote - career goals - personal development - relationships Key Concepts psychology social comparison Questions to Reflect On - What qualities do you admire in others? - How can you cultivate those qualities yourself? A Different Perspective May ignore contentment with current self. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Admire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/admire/) [Admire Thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/admire-thing-2523226/) [Generally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generally/) [Generally Admire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generally-admire-1362943/) [Thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thing/) ## Related quotes > [In every part of the universe we observe means adjusted with the nicest artifice to the ends which they are intended to produce; and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-smith/in-every-part-of-the-universe-we-observe-means-adjusted-with-the/) [Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-smith/) > [People standing up and saying, 'This isn't right,' is certainly a quality I admire in specific circumstances. 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