Meaning: This quote by Walter Lippmann, a prominent American journalist, captures the idea that success can often lead individuals to become rigid and overly focused on maintaining stability at the expense of other virtues. Lippmann suggests that success can breed a sense of complacency and a reluctance to embrace change or innovation. This mindset can ultimately lead to a fixation on preserving the status quo, resulting in a resistance to new ideas and a tendency towards conservatism.

The concept of success leading to rigidity and a preference for stability is a thought-provoking one. It highlights the potential pitfalls of achieving success and the impact it can have on an individual's mindset and behavior. Rather than embracing the qualities that may have contributed to their success, individuals may become fixated on maintaining the current state of affairs, fearing any deviation from the established order.

Lippmann's assertion that success can lead to a focus on stability at the expense of other virtues speaks to the human tendency to resist change and seek comfort in familiarity. When individuals achieve success, there may be a natural inclination to safeguard their achievements by resisting any form of disruption or upheaval. This can manifest as a reluctance to entertain new ideas or approaches, as well as a preference for maintaining the existing structures and systems that have contributed to their success.

The quote also suggests that success can lead to a weariness of the effort required to continue striving for improvement. The "tired of the effort of willing" phrase implies that the pursuit of success can be draining, and once success is attained, individuals may seek to conserve their energy by resisting further change or innovation. This fatigue can result in a fixation on stability, as it offers a sense of security and relief from the ongoing effort and uncertainty associated with progress and growth.

Moreover, Lippmann's reference to individuals becoming "fanatics about conservatism" underscores the potential for success to breed an extreme attachment to preserving the status quo. This fanaticism can lead to a resistance to progressive ideas and a zealous defense of traditional values and practices. The fear of jeopardizing the hard-won success may drive individuals to adopt a rigid and unyielding stance, hindering their ability to adapt to new circumstances and evolving needs.

In contemporary society, Lippmann's observation remains relevant in various contexts, including business, politics, and personal achievement. In the business world, successful companies may become entrenched in their existing practices and resistant to change, ultimately impeding their ability to innovate and adapt to shifting market dynamics. Similarly, in politics, successful leaders or parties may become fixated on maintaining their power and resisting reforms that could disrupt their established positions.

On a personal level, individuals who achieve success may become hesitant to take risks or explore new opportunities, fearing that doing so could jeopardize their hard-earned accomplishments. This mindset can limit personal growth and innovation, as individuals prioritize stability over the pursuit of new goals and aspirations.

In conclusion, Walter Lippmann's quote effectively captures the potential consequences of success, highlighting the tendency for individuals to become rigid and overly conservative in their attitudes and behaviors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining open to change and embracing the virtues beyond stability, even in the face of success. By recognizing the potential pitfalls of success-induced rigidity, individuals and organizations can strive to maintain a healthy balance between stability and adaptability, thereby fostering continued growth and development.