"Men are not great or small because of their material possessions. They are great or small because of what they are"

The quote by James Cash Penney discuss the core values of intrinsic worth versus product wealth. In a world typically driven by monetary success and the build-up of material products, Penney's declaration serves as a poignant suggestion that real greatness is not determined by one's possessions, however rather by one's character and integrity.

When Penney says, "Men are not excellent or little because of their material belongings", he challenges the common misconception that wealth corresponds to individual worth. Product ownerships, while they can offer convenience and benefit, are ultimately shallow and do not show the real nature of a person. They can be short lived and are frequently influenced by external factors beyond one's control. Penney highlights that depending on such unstable determinants for self-regard is misdirected.

Alternatively, the second part of the quote, "They are fantastic or small because of what they are", emphasizes that authentic worth originates from within. It highlights the attributes of character, such as compassion, honesty, humbleness, and the ability to motivate and assist others. These intangible qualities, unlike product wealth, are cultivated through individual option, ethical decisions, and the constant application of ethical principles. They are enduring and provide a foundation for an appreciated and significant life.

This viewpoint motivates a concentrate on individual growth and self-improvement, suggesting that individuals must strive to be defined by their virtues and actions rather than by their possessions. Penney's words function as a call to focus on inner development and to value the richness of spirit and morality over financial prosperity.

In essence, Penney's quote is an ageless pointer that the measure of a person's life is not in what they own, however in who they are and how they affect the lives of others. It challenges us to redefine our understanding of success and to look for satisfaction through character, community, and contribution instead of through the relentless pursuit of product gain.