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.
Meaning
This quote says that a person may have many dreams, but Lincoln’s greatest ambition was to earn the genuine respect of other people by becoming worthy of it. He did not want respect simply because of position, fame, or power. He wanted his actions to give people a real reason to value him. The deeper idea is that lasting respect cannot be demanded; it grows from how we treat others and the choices we make when nobody is watching. Our character quietly shapes the way people remember us.
How to Use
- Instead of asking others to respect you, become someone whose honesty, reliability, and kindness naturally deserve it.
- When faced with a choice, ask, “What is right?” rather than only thinking about how others will see you.
- Doing what you said you would do builds trust and shows people that your words have value.
- At the end of the day, consider whether your actions made you more worthy of the respect you want.
Copy and Use This Quote
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “truly esteemed of my fellow-men” mean?
It means being genuinely respected and valued by other people. Lincoln connects this respect with becoming worthy of it, rather than trying to gain admiration through status, popularity, or appearance.
What is the main message of this Abraham Lincoln quote?
The main message is that a meaningful ambition is to become a person deserving of respect. Recognition becomes more valuable when it is earned through good character, responsible actions, and the way we treat others.
Why does Lincoln say he wants to be “worthy” of esteem?
Because genuine respect has to be supported by behavior. A person can ask for praise or create an impressive image, but lasting respect comes when everyday actions consistently show honesty, reliability, and good character.
How can this quote apply to work or relationships?
Instead of focusing only on being liked, focus on being trustworthy. Keep commitments, admit mistakes, treat people fairly, and help when you can. Over time, these small actions can build the kind of respect that does not need to be requested.
Is wanting other people’s respect a good ambition?
Lincoln presents it as meaningful when the goal is to become worthy of that respect. The important distinction is between chasing approval and improving your character. The first depends heavily on others’ opinions; the second begins with your own conduct.