Quote

I was induced to establish several orders of merit, from conviction that emulation, well directed, becomes a useful servant; and, that the latent genius of some youth is more easily brought into action this way, than by the more sordid gratification of self-interest.

— Joseph Lancaster

Sentiment: NEGATIVE

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✓Similar Perspectives

For example, I tend to personally reward myself for specific acts of exceptional discipline.

— Robert Vaughn

Ambition - it is the last infirmity of noble minds.

— James M. Barrie

To be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and incentive of virtue.

— Walter Scott

To many a man, and sometimes to a youth, there comes the opportunity to choose between honorable competence and tainted wealth. The young man who starts out to be poor and honorable, holds in his hand one of the strongest elements of success.

— Orison Swett Marden

I am a believer in people succeeding on merit.

— Nicola Sturgeon

Merit, however inconsiderable, should be sought for and rewarded. Methods are the master of masters.

— Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say, for one, that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow-men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition is yet to be developed.

— Abraham Lincoln

So, to praise others for their virtues can but encourage one's own efforts.

— Nagarjuna

That's just how I live my life. That's how I was raised: to demand excellence out of myself.

— Ezekiel Elliott

✗Opposing Perspectives

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty.

— Louisa May Alcott