Beauty Quote by William Dean Howells
“Do not trouble yourselves about standards or ideals; but try to be faithful and natural: remember that there is no greatness, no beauty, which does not come from truth to your own knowledge of things; and keep on working, even if your work is not long remembered.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Improvement and Truth, 1892
Encourages focusing on authenticity and personal truth over external standards, urging persistent effort regardless of lasting fame.
In simple terms: Be true and keep working, even if forgotten.
Value honesty, keep creating.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- artistic pursuits
- career building
- personal growth
- teaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure success beyond recognition?
- What truths guide your work?
Greatness often depends on external validation, which can be fleeting.