The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Self-improvement
Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better?
Carol S. Dweck Mindset: The New Psychology of Success · 2006

Quotes

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

Ernest Hemingway · A Man’s Credo, 1963 · Primary source

“Becoming is better than being.”

Carol S. Dweck · Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, 2006 · Primary source

“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Let every new year find you a better man.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Those who will not be counselled, cannot be helped.”

Benjamin Franklin · The Way to Wealth, 1758 · Primary source

“Raise your standards as high as you can live with, avoid wasting your time on routine problems, and always try to work as closely as possible at the boundary of your abilities. Do this because it is the only way of discovering how that boundary should be moved forward.”

Edsger Dijkstra · Advice to a Young Scientist, c. 1989 · Primary source

Works

Benjamin Franklin · 1771-1790
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s account of his early life, career, self-education, civic activity, moral improvement, and rise from apprentice printer to public figure.

Read summary·Explore 5 quotes

Related Tags

Character 20 Curiosity 19 Learning 19 Reflection 10 Criticism 10 Self-awareness 10 Growth mindset 9 Personal development 7 Humility 6 Progress 6 Personal growth 5 Fixed mindset 5 Self-education 5 Advice 4 Open-mindedness 3 Enemies 3 High standards 3 Ignorance 2 Faults 2 Guidance 2 Research practice 2 Ability 2 Continuous learning 2 Colonial America 2 Receptiveness 1 Self-mastery 1 Nobility 1 Intellectual challenge 1 Validation seeking 1 Printing 1 Thirteen virtues 1