"The best people renounce all for one goal, the eternal fame of mortals; but most people stuff themselves like cattle"
- Heraclitus
About this Quote
This quote by Heraclitus speaks with the idea that there are 2 types of people in the world: those who strive for success and those who are content with mediocrity. The best people, according to Heraclitus, are those who are willing to compromise whatever in pursuit of eternal popularity. These people are driven by ambition and a desire to make a long lasting effect on the world. On the other hand, the majority of people are content to merely stuff themselves like livestock, living a life of comfort and complacency. They are not driven by aspiration or a desire to make a long lasting impact, however rather by a desire for immediate satisfaction.
Heraclitus' quote acts as a tip that greatness is not achieved by those who are content with mediocrity. It takes effort, dedication, and a desire to compromise in order to attain greatness. Those who are willing to put in the effort and make the essential sacrifices will be rewarded with everlasting fame. Those who are content with mediocrity will remain in the shadows, never accomplishing the greatness they could have attained.