proverb · Words worth keeping
Success is its own reward.
Success is its own reward.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Success as its own reward gives achievement an intrinsic satisfaction beyond outside payment or recognition. The saying values accomplishing an aim for its own sake.
What the words are saying
The claim does not guarantee that every successful result feels rewarding or justify denying fair compensation. A useful interpretation considers what the aim means and whose work contributed. Recognition, resources and consequences can remain relevant even when an achievement has personal value.
Everyday example
Someone appreciates completing a meaningful task while still discussing fair credit for those who helped.
When to use it
Use it to discuss intrinsic value with material obligations retained.
What it does not mean
No guaranteed satisfaction or excuse to withhold fair payment and credit is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
United States
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 146; PDF page 19; collection label: United States
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- United States
