“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
–Mark Twain, American Writer
Ambition is an important part of achieving success in life. It’s what drives us to reach our goals, and it’s what keeps us motivated when the going gets tough. However, not everyone around us may support our ambitions, and some people may even try to belittle them. That’s where the famous quote by Mark Twain comes in – “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
The quote emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people. The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our lives and our ability to achieve our goals. When we’re around people who belittle our ambitions, we may start to doubt ourselves and our abilities. This can lead to a lack of motivation and ultimately, failure.
On the other hand, when we’re around people who support and encourage our ambitions, we’re more likely to believe in ourselves and our ability to achieve our goals. These people can provide us with the motivation and inspiration we need to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. When we’re surrounded by positive and supportive people, we feel more confident and capable of achieving our goals.
The quote also highlights the difference between small people and great people. Small people are those who lack ambition and are often threatened by those who have it. They may belittle the ambitions of others in an attempt to bring them down to their level. In contrast, great people are those who are successful and ambitious themselves, and they recognize and respect the ambition of others. They understand the importance of supporting and encouraging others to achieve their goals.
It’s important to remember that everyone has their own definition of success, and what may be ambitious for one person may not be ambitious for another. It’s essential to surround ourselves with people who respect and support our individual goals, whatever they may be. When we’re around people who encourage us to reach our full potential, we’re more likely to achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life.
In conclusion, Mark Twain’s quote is a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people. It’s essential to keep away from those who belittle our ambitions and to seek out those who inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals. When we’re surrounded by people who make us feel that we can become great, we’re more likely to believe in ourselves and reach our full potential.
