No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter who your audience is: 30 percent will love it, 30 percent will hate it, and 30 percent won’t care. Stick with the people who love you and don’t spend a single second on the rest.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote reminds us that no matter what we do or who we are, there will always be varying opinions and reactions from others. It suggests that it is not worth our time and energy to dwell on those who dislike or don't care about what we do, but rather to focus on those who appreciate and support us. It encourages us to surround ourselves with people who uplift us and to not be overly concerned with the opinions of those who do not align with our values or vision.
Who said the quote?
The quote “No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter who your audience is: 30 percent will love it, 30 percent will hate it, and 30 percent won’t care. Stick with the people who love you and don’t spend a single second on the rest." was said in the book Choose Yourself(Summary / Quotes) by James Altucher. James Altucher is an American entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcaster who is known for his work on personal development and entrepreneurship.
What's the quote's message?
In life, we often find ourselves striving for universal acceptance and approval. We yearn for the validation and adoration of others, believing that it defines our worth and determines our success. However, within the intricate tapestry of human existence, there is a fundamental truth that we must confront: we cannot please everyone, no matter who we are or what we do.
The quote, "No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter who your audience is: 30 percent will love it, 30 percent will hate it, and 30 percent won’t care," encapsulates this universal reality. It serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how exceptional our achievements, how sublime our talents, or how genuine our intentions, a significant portion of the world will remain indifferent or even opposed.
This realization may seem disheartening at first, but upon closer examination, it carries a powerful message of liberation and self-empowerment. It urges us to shift our focus from appeasing the masses to nurturing the connections that genuinely value and support us. Instead of expending precious energy on trying to win over those who are indifferent or actively dismissive, we are encouraged to invest in the relationships that uplift and embrace us for who we truly are.
By embracing this philosophy, we free ourselves from the suffocating burden of external validation. We are no longer bound by the need to conform to the ever-changing expectations and opinions of others. Instead, we can channel our energy towards nurturing our passions, cultivating our strengths, and surrounding ourselves with individuals who appreciate our unique essence.
The essence of this message lies in the importance of staying true to ourselves. It implores us to find solace and encouragement in the unwavering support of those who genuinely love and appreciate us. These are the individuals who celebrate our triumphs, offer solace during our darkest moments, and inspire us to rise above adversity. Their unwavering support becomes the bedrock upon which we can build our dreams, knowing that we are cherished for our authentic selves.
Moreover, the quote emphasizes the value of not allowing the negative voices and opinions of others to diminish our sense of self-worth. Recognizing that a portion of the population will never be swayed positively, we are encouraged to let go of the weight of their criticism and indifference. Instead, we can focus on personal growth, embracing constructive feedback, and nurturing our own well-being.
In essence, the profound wisdom contained within this quote guides us towards a path of self-acceptance, self-love, and genuine connection. It empowers us to embrace the reality that we cannot be all things to all people, and that is perfectly okay. By focusing on the relationships that nurture our souls and staying true to ourselves, we can find fulfillment, joy, and a sense of purpose that transcends the ever-shifting winds of public opinion.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
A suitable example may be the story of Vincent van Gogh, a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.
Van Gogh was largely unrecognized during his lifetime and struggled both financially and emotionally. His work was too radical and innovative for the art world of his time and was often met with disdain or indifference. Despite this, he kept painting, driven by a profound love for his art. Today, he's celebrated as a visionary who significantly impacted the direction of modern art.
This story illustrates the quote well. Van Gogh continued to work passionately even though a significant portion of people didn't appreciate or care about his art during his lifetime. He might not have known it, but he did have a "30 percent" who loved his work—only they came after his death. The lesson is that you should continue doing what you love and believe in, even if it seems like nobody appreciates it in the moment.
Another example might be from the realm of politics. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, faced immense criticism and opposition during his time in office, especially due to his stance on the abolition of slavery and his conduct of the Civil War. Yet, he is now widely considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. Lincoln continued to adhere to his beliefs and principles despite the criticism, showing that sticking with those who support you and not letting the rest deter you can lead to impactful and lasting contributions.
While these examples are both larger than life, they clearly embody the essence of the quote, showing how focusing on those who appreciate and support you rather than wasting time on detractors can yield great results.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Let's consider a scenario in which a young woman, let's call her Emily, is starting a lifestyle blog. Emily is passionate about fitness, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices, and she has created content around these topics. Despite her excitement, she feels nervous about sharing her ideas and passions with the world, fearing the judgment and criticism that may come her way.
After launching her blog, Emily starts sharing her content on social media platforms. As predicted, the reactions are varied. Some people find her content inspirational and engaging, they appreciate her insights and look forward to her posts (the 30% who love it). Conversely, some other users criticize her posts as being unrealistic or 'preachy', they disagree with her perspectives and openly voice their dissent (the 30% who hate it). The remaining users are indifferent to her posts, they neither like nor dislike her content (the 30% who don't care).
Upon encountering these reactions, Emily recalls the quote: "No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter who your audience is: 30 percent will love it, 30 percent will hate it, and 30 percent won’t care. Stick with the people who love you and don’t spend a single second on the rest." Inspired by these words, Emily chooses not to be disheartened by the negative feedback or deterred by the indifference. Instead, she focuses on the positive feedback and appreciation she receives.
She continues to create and share her content, taking into account constructive feedback from her supporters to continually improve. Emily interacts and builds relationships with her supporters, understanding their needs, and interests to provide even more valuable content. By choosing to focus her time and energy on the people who love what she does, Emily ensures that she remains motivated and engaged in her work while building a loyal and dedicated community around her blog. This is a practical application of the quote in real life.
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
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.
