The quote suggests that the most crucial thing in life is not conforming to societal standards or expectations,but rather acting according to one’s own principles and beliefs. It encourages us to live authentically, guided by our own moral compass. The ‘standards’ referred here are personal values and ethics that one holds dear.
This idea is deeply rooted in the philosophy of existentialism which emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and duty. It implies that we should not blindly follow societal norms or seek approval from others but should make decisions based on what we genuinely believe is right.
In today’s world,this quote could be applied in various contexts such as social issues,politics,business ethics etc. For instance, a person might face criticism for supporting a controversial cause they believe in. According to this quote’s philosophy however; it would be more important for them to stand by their convictions than succumb to public pressure.
In terms of personal advancement too this concept can have profound implications. Often people suppress their true selves under the weight of societal expectations – what career they should pursue, how they should behave etc., which leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness over time. By choosing instead to act according their own standards – even if it goes against common conventions – individuals can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.
However it’s also worth noting that while following personal standards is advocated here; these standards themselves need introspection from time-to-time because there may be inherent biases or prejudices involved which might need rectification for overall growth as an individual.