What does this quote mean?

Question

"You have to be twice as good as them to get half of what they have."

Answer 1

This axiom is motivational.  It both encourages and challenges one to strive for goodness, personal character, and maximum performance in order to be a high achiever. 

Answer 2

This quote can be taken from several viewpoints but basically it is

making a statement about either sexual or racial discrimination.

 

In the male dominated workforce women claim that they have to

work twice as hard as the men in order to receive the same

recognition in the matter of either pay or promotions due to

sexual discrimination.

 

The same situation can be placed in the context of racial

discrimination wherein a person of a "minority" race is saying

that they are overlooked for raises or promotions due to race.

 

Whether either situation is still generally true today is open for debate.