A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote explores the contrasting perspectives of noble individuals and mean individuals in how they evaluate and perceive themselves. It suggests that a noble person sets their standards and self-worth against lofty ideals and noble principles that surpass their own capabilities. In contrast, a mean person measures their worth against lower standards or the shortcomings of others.
The quote implies that a noble person is driven by aspiration. They seek personal growth, excellence, and the pursuit of virtues that surpass their current state. By comparing themselves to ideals that are higher than themselves, they are inspired to continually strive for improvement and contribute positively to the world.
In contrast, the mean person is driven by ambition, which the quote describes as a lower form of aspiration. Their self-evaluation is rooted in comparison to others, often seeking to outdo or belittle those around them. This type of comparison can lead to a superficial and competitive mindset that lacks genuine personal growth and fulfillment.
The quote implies that the noble path of self-evaluation fosters qualities such as humility, perseverance, and the pursuit of higher ideals. It encourages individuals to set their sights on noble aspirations that transcend their current abilities, enabling them to continually evolve and contribute positively to society.
In contrast, the mean path of self-evaluation tends to promote a self-centered and shallow mindset, driven by the desire for superiority over others rather than personal growth and true fulfillment.
Overall, this quote highlights the importance of adopting a mindset that compares oneself to higher ideals and principles rather than others. It encourages us to embrace noble aspirations and strive for personal growth, contributing to a more meaningful and virtuous life.
Who said the quote?
The quote "A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires." was said by Marcus Aurelius (Bio / Quotes). Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 161 until his death in AD 180.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi during India's struggle for independence. Gandhi is a historical figure who embodied the idea of comparing himself to a higher ideal, rather than merely measuring his actions against his immediate surroundings or personal gain.
Gandhi aspired to a vision of a free, non-violent, and just India, guided by principles of truth and selflessness. His higher ideal was not merely about gaining political power or personal prestige, but about achieving a profound transformation in society. He compared himself to this lofty ideal and continuously worked towards it, despite numerous setbacks and challenges. This aspiration led him to engage in acts of civil disobedience, non-violent protests, and to promote social reforms that aimed to uplift the marginalized and oppressed.
In contrast, if we examine leaders who sought power through more self-serving means, such as colonial administrators or certain political figures of the time, their ambition was often guided by immediate personal or nationalistic gains rather than a higher moral or ethical vision. They sought to elevate themselves by comparison to those they dominated or subjugated, rather than aspiring to an ideal that transcended their own immediate interests. This approach can be seen as a form of ambition that often leads to more superficial or destructive outcomes.
Gandhi’s pursuit of a higher ideal not only inspired others but also created lasting change, showing how aiming for an elevated standard can produce meaningful and enduring impact, as opposed to merely seeking personal advancement.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying this quote to real life involves examining one's personal and professional goals through the lens of higher ideals rather than immediate, self-centered ambitions.
Imagine you’re a manager at a company. Instead of focusing solely on climbing the corporate ladder, which might involve competing against colleagues or pursuing short-term successes, you might set your sights on a higher goal, such as fostering a positive work environment, promoting ethical practices, or developing innovative solutions that contribute to the industry’s advancement.
By comparing yourself to the ideal of being a leader who genuinely improves the lives of your team and contributes positively to your field, you elevate your aspirations. This approach fosters growth and development that align with your deeper values and long-term vision, rather than just the pursuit of personal gain or recognition.
This mindset not only enriches your own professional journey but also inspires others around you to aspire to similar higher standards. It creates a culture of integrity, collaboration, and meaningful achievement, as opposed to one driven by competitive ambition and superficial metrics. In this way, aligning yourself with a higher ideal leads to a more profound and impactful form of success.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
