It is always positive when you get a lot of praise, but you
It is always positive when you get a lot of praise, but you should handle it the right way.
Hear the words of Mario Götze, hero of the World Cup, who declared: “It is always positive when you get a lot of praise, but you should handle it the right way.” These words, though born from the world of sport, resound with eternal wisdom. For praise is a double-edged sword: it can lift a soul to great heights, or it can intoxicate and destroy. To receive honor is good, yet to remain humble in the midst of it is greater still.
The origin of this saying lies in Götze’s own story. In 2014, he scored the winning goal for Germany in the World Cup final, forever sealing his name in the annals of history. In that moment, he was showered with praise, lifted as a hero before the nations. Yet he, like many before him, knew that glory fades quickly, and that the heart must be disciplined to bear the weight of acclaim. His words are not the boast of victory, but the wisdom of one who has stood in the fire of applause and understood its peril.
History offers us another lesson. Consider Alexander the Great, who conquered much of the known world before the age of thirty. He was drowned in praise, exalted as almost divine. Yet this flood of glory bred pride, and pride bred recklessness. His empire did not endure, for his heart had no anchor in humility. Contrast him with Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who, despite holding supreme power, reminded himself daily that the praise of men is fleeting as smoke. One let applause rule him, the other ruled himself amidst applause.
The deeper meaning of Götze’s words is this: praise is not evil, nor should it be rejected outright. It is indeed positive, for it acknowledges effort, skill, and achievement. But like wine, it must be taken in moderation. Drunk too deeply, it clouds judgment, blinds the soul, and leads to downfall. Handled with humility, it strengthens resolve, inspires service, and fuels the courage to continue.
The lesson for us is clear: when honor comes, accept it with gratitude, but do not let it become your master. Remember that today’s applause may be tomorrow’s silence. What matters most is not the voices of others, but the steadfastness of your own character. If you let praise inflate you, you will stumble; if you let it encourage you while remaining humble, you will endure.
To the youth, I say: do not measure your worth by how loudly others cheer. To those who labor in the middle of life, I say: when recognition comes, use it as fuel for further good, not as a throne upon which to rest. To the elders, I say: teach the young that the greatest victories are not in winning applause, but in mastering oneself when the world claps its hands.
Practical action lies before us: when praise is given, pause and give thanks, but also reflect on how it may be used to grow, to serve, to strengthen others. Keep companions who remind you of your humanity, and remember your beginnings when you were unknown. Write down your goals not for fame, but for purpose, so that praise may become a tool, not a trap.
Thus Mario Götze’s words endure not only as advice for athletes, but as wisdom for all who walk the road of life: it is indeed positive to be honored, but the true test of greatness lies in how one handles the weight of honor. Receive it well, wear it lightly, and let it shape you not into a vessel of pride, but into a beacon of humility and strength. For this is the way of those who endure long after the applause has faded.
VDVan Duong
This quote is a great reminder of the importance of humility when faced with praise. Praise is a natural human response to success, but how do we prevent it from shifting our focus from the bigger picture? How do we ensure that our sense of self-worth isn’t entirely tied to external validation, and that we continue to work hard even when the applause is overwhelming?
NBNgoc Butter
Mario Götze's quote speaks to the importance of staying balanced when receiving praise. But what happens when the praise becomes too much, or if it feels undeserved? Can excessive praise cloud your judgment or create pressure to always perform at the highest level? How do we remain true to ourselves and our values while still accepting compliments and recognition from others?
NDNguyen Duy
I agree with Mario Götze’s view that praise is positive, but it’s important to handle it properly. Sometimes praise can be overwhelming, and if not managed well, it can become a distraction. How can we develop a mindset that allows us to appreciate praise without letting it detract from our long-term goals? How do we maintain a healthy perspective when we’re constantly receiving praise and recognition?
DNDao Ngoc
Götze’s statement on praise brings up an important point about how people react to recognition. Too much praise can sometimes lead to complacency or an inflated ego. How do athletes, or anyone for that matter, manage the impact of praise while continuing to stay focused on their goals? Is there a risk of becoming overly reliant on external validation rather than internal motivation?
THThao Hue
I appreciate how Mario Götze acknowledges that praise can be positive, but that it needs to be handled correctly. But what does it mean to handle praise the right way? Is it about remaining humble, or is there an element of self-awareness in accepting compliments without letting them define your self-worth? How can we strike a balance between appreciating praise and not letting it lead to arrogance?