The fundamental engine of human motivation, that separates our complex social drives from basic animal instincts.
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Meaning
It means that beyond our basic survival needs, the most powerful human drive is the craving for significance, to feel that our life and our work matter to others.
Explanation
Animals are motivated by food, shelter, safety – the fundamentals. We need those too. But for us, it’s different. That intern staying late to make a presentation perfect? The senior executive who still lights up at public recognition? It’s not just about the paycheck. It’s that deep, often unspoken, need to feel valued, to feel important. Once you understand that this desire is the central point for almost everyone you meet, your entire approach to leadership, sales, parenting, completely changes.
Summary
| Category | Wisdom (30) |
|---|---|
| Topics | behavior (17), importance (1), motivation (25) |
| Style | didactic (53), philosophical (44) |
| Mood | curious (3), reflective (52) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is a genuine Dale Carnegie quote covered in book: How to Win Friends and Influence People.
| Author | Dale Carnegie (172) |
|---|---|
| Book | How to Win Friends and Influence People (43) |
About the Author
Dale Carnegie, an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today.
Official Website
Quotation Source:
| The desire to be important is one of the chief distinguishing differences between mankind and animals |
| Published: 1936, Revised Edition 1981, ISBN: 9780671723651, 280 Pages |
| Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People, Page 18 |
Context
It’s introduced in the first section as the “big secret” of dealing with people. All his techniques for building rapport, influencing others, and becoming a leader boils down to sincerely understanding the human desire in others, rather than just focusing on your own.
The desire for a feeling of importance is one of the chief distinguishing differences between mankind and the animals. To illustrate: When I was a farm boy out in Missouri, my father bred fine Duroc-Jersey hogs and pedigreed white-faced cattle. The hogs didn’t care about the ribbons they had won. But father did. These prizes gave him a feeling of importance.
Usage Examples
- For a Manager: Instead of just assigning a task, say “Maria, I’m giving you this client portfolio because I know you are good at handling complex needs. Your work here is critical to the team’s success.” See the difference? You’re feeding the desire for importance.
- For a Marketer: Your ads shouldn’t just list features. They should make the customer the hero. “For the leader who demands excellence…” You’re not selling a watch; you’re selling a symbol of their importance.
- In Personal Relationships: Actively listen to your partner’s story about their day. Your genuine interest and engagement is you, in that moment, validating their importance in your world.
To whom it appeals?
| Audience | leaders (290), psychologists (14), self help readers (5), students (431) |
|---|---|
This quote can be used in following contexts: leadership coaching,personal development,philosophical writing,motivational lectures,psychology lessons
Common Questions
Question: Is this desire for importance a bad thing? Is it just ego?
Answer: No. It becomes ego or narcissism only when it’s unbalance, when someone’s need for importance overshadows everything else, including the needs of others. The skill is in harnessing this desire constructively in yourself and recognizing it respectfully in others.
Question: Don’t animals have hierarchies and status too?
Answer: That’s a great point, and yes, they do. But Carnegie’s distinction is one of complexity and self-awareness. An alpha wolf doesn’t sit around contemplating its legacy or seeking creative fulfilment. The human desire for importance is deeply tied to our sense of self, our story, and our lasting impact.
Question: How can I apply this without being manipulative?
Answer: The key is sincerity. If you’re just using techniques to get what you want, people will feel it. The real change happens when you genuinely start to see the world from the other person’s perspective by being in their shoe and appreciate their inherent desire. It’s about a change in your own attitude, not a trick to manipulate others.