You can measure a person’s greatness by what it takes… it’s one of those quotes that sounds simple but hits you harder the more you think about it. It’s really about emotional intelligence being the true benchmark of leadership and character. Let’s break down why this idea is so powerful in practice.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that a person’s true caliber isn’t shown in their successes, but in their reactions to setbacks and provocations. The “greatness” is their emotional maturity and self-control.
Explanation
Okay, so here’s the real-world take. I’ve seen this play out in boardrooms and in team meetings for years. The most respected leaders, the ones people genuinely want to follow, aren’t the ones who never get stressed. They’re the ones who have a high threshold for what *actually* triggers their anger.
Think about it. Someone who blows up over a missed deadline or a spilled coffee? That shows a small container for frustration. But the person who stays composed when a multi-million dollar deal falls through? Or who listens calmly to harsh, unfair criticism? Their “container” is huge. That composure isn’t passivity; it’s power. It’s the power to choose your response, instead of being a slave to your initial emotion. That’s the greatness it’s talking about.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Emotion (177) |
| Topics | character (31), patience (51), self control (13) |
| Literary Style | memorable (234), philosophical (434) |
| Emotion / Mood | calm (491), provocative (175) |
| Overall Quote Score | 87 (185) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one is often, and understandably, credited directly to Dale Carnegie. But it actually comes from the 1993 book “The Leader In You,” which was written by Stuart R. Levine and Michael A. Crom from Dale Carnegie & Associates. They were building directly on Carnegie’s foundational principles, so the spirit of the quote is absolutely his. You won’t find it in his original “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” but it’s a perfect extension of his work.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Leader In You (86) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie(1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. His books and courses focus on human relations, and self confidence as the foundation for success. 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 for professional growth.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | You can measure a person’s greatness by what it takes to make them angry |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1993 (first edition) ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781501181962 (Gallery Books 2017 reprint); also 9780671798093 (early Pocket Books hardcover) Last edition. Number of pages: Common reprints ~256 pages (varies by printing). |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Emotional Mastery, Approximate page from 1993 edition |