Quote of the day by American star Jack Lemmon: 'If you are lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down’; life lesson on how truly successful people are not selfish but act as mentors to the less fortunate from two-time Oscar winner

Once you achieve the pinnacle of success, the right thing to do would be to extend the hand of help to others, to become a guide of sorts. When someone gains a position of privilege, they should not forget to help people who are still struggling to succeed and may need mentorship and help. Years ago, Hollywood star Jack Lemmon explained how, after you have made yourself a name, it is important to support others who may be struggling. True success is not measured only by personal wealth or status but also by the positive difference one makes in other people’s lives. Success becomes more meaningful when it opens doors for others.

Quote Of The Day By Jack Lemmon Suggests That Truly Successful People Become Mentors

The Some Like It Hot star once said, "If you are lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down..."

Deeper Meaning Of The Quote

This quote sends a pretty powerful message: Achievement should ideally not be viewed as a personal milestone. When you have reached an enviable position in life – such as amassing huge wealth, or bagging a big promotion to become a member of the board of directors, or founding a unicorn startup – you should not try to gatekeep success and should try to extend a hand of help to struggling but ambitious people who have the ability and the big dreams but not the resources or the connections to succeed.

Relevance Of The Quote

This quote remains very relevant, as there is a large gap between opportunities for people. Not all individuals with talent and hunger for success get a taste of it – solely because they lack resources or don’t know the right people who can recommend their name. If a successful person has a positive mindset and is free from insecurities, they can leverage their fame, power and resources to uplift others – especially those who have the talent and the vision but not the means to succeed. In workplaces, successful professionals can mentor younger colleagues, recommend deserving candidates, or create opportunities for those struggling to advance. In society, people can support education, charitable causes, or small businesses. The quote also challenges the belief that success should be enjoyed in isolation.

Who Is Jack Lemmon?

Jack Lemmon was a huge name in the 60s and 70s. Known for being a versatile performer, he excelled in comic and dramatic roles. Lemmon won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Save the Tiger (1973) and Best Supporting Actor for Mister Roberts (1955). Some Like It Hot (1959), The Apartment (1960), Days of Wine and Roses (1962), The China Syndrome (1979), Tribute (1980), and Missing (1982) were among his Oscar nominations. In addition, he is well-known for his parts in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), The Great Race (1965), and Irma la Douce (1963). Through his production business, Jalem Productions, he produced two films in which he did not appear: Cool Hand Luke (1967) and Kotch (1971), the latter of which he also directed.

Lemmon was also a recipient of five Golden Globe Awards and three BAFTA Awards.

Lemmon’s debut as a leading man was the romantic comedy It Should Happen To You (1954), but it was not until the gender-bending comedy Some Like It Hot (1959), which also starred Marilyn Monroe, did he become a household name. His association with director Billy Wilder continued with successful films such as The Apartment. However, he was typecast as a comedian and was able to break the mould with the 1962 movie Days Of Wine & Roses.

Lemmon was also a graduate of Harvard University. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 76.