People think they have to be ambitious. But at a certain age, all you want is to be around nice, decent people.
In this quote, Graydon Carter, a Canadian-born American editor and journalist, reflects on the changing priorities that come with age. He acknowledges that many people feel the need to be ambitious, particularly in their youth or early adulthood, often driven by career goals and personal achievement. However, Carter suggests that as one grows older, the desire for ambition often shifts. At a certain stage in life, people begin to prioritize being surrounded by nice, decent people over the pursuit of success or material gain.
Carter's words highlight the idea that with age, people start to place greater value on relationships and personal connections. Rather than chasing external markers of success like wealth or power, individuals may become more focused on creating meaningful and positive interactions with others. The desire for peace and companionship becomes more important, reflecting a natural shift towards valuing emotional well-being over professional or material achievements.
The origin of this quote stems from Carter’s own experiences as a prominent figure in the world of media and journalism. As the former editor of Vanity Fair, Carter witnessed firsthand the pressures and demands of career success. His reflection on the changing nature of ambition likely comes from his own perspective on aging and the evolving nature of personal values over time.
Ultimately, Carter’s words remind us that as we grow older, success becomes more about personal fulfillment and meaningful connections than societal measures of accomplishment. His quote encourages us to focus on the qualities of those we surround ourselves with, emphasizing that the pursuit of kindness and decency is a more fulfilling goal than external ambition.
PQLe Thi Phuong Quynh
It’s interesting how this quote redefines ambition. Maybe it’s not that ambition fades, but that it changes direction—from chasing status to seeking emotional safety and kindness. I love how it challenges the assumption that ambition is inherently tied to youth or career. Could we consider wanting to be around good people as a higher form of ambition? One that prioritizes the soul over the resume?
VHDao Thi Viet Ha
There's a gentle sadness in this quote, like a reflection on what time strips away. It suggests that with age, we stop needing to prove ourselves and instead crave connection and goodness. But is this shift always freeing? Or does it also carry a sense of loss—like giving up dreams or accepting limitations? Either way, it speaks volumes about how our values evolve with experience.
NYLop 7A7 Luu Ngoc Nhu Y
Honestly, this is so real. I used to think life was all about chasing goals, climbing ladders, being ‘important.’ But now, I’d trade most of that just for good company and quiet evenings. Is it wisdom or fatigue that brings us to this realization? Either way, I wish I’d understood earlier that relationships and kindness might be the most lasting form of success.
CQCuong Quang
This quote really made me think about how our cultural narrative glorifies hustle and ambition, especially in youth. But as we age, we start to realize how much energy that constant striving costs. Being surrounded by kind, respectful people becomes a far greater reward. Why don't we teach this value earlier in life? Maybe more people would aim for balance rather than burnout if they heard this perspective sooner.
DKNguyen Duy Khanh
I completely relate to this. When you're younger, ambition feels like the only path to success or happiness. But with time, your priorities shift, and peace of mind becomes more valuable than accolades. I wonder, though, does this shift happen naturally with age, or is it something people come to only after burnout or disappointment? It’s a profound reflection on what really matters in life as we mature.