We set up a certain aim, and put ourselves of our own will…
“We set up a certain aim, and put ourselves of our own will into the power of a certain current. Once having done that, we find ourselves committed to usages and customs which we had not before fully known, but from which we cannot depart without giving up the end which we have chosen. But we have no right, therefore, to claim that we are under the yoke of necessity. We might as well say that the man whom we see struggling vainly in the current of Niagara could not have helped jumping in.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We choose goals, then become bound by the habits and expectations that arise, yet we are not forced by destiny; we can still change direction if we accept the cost.
In simple terms: Choosing a goal creates habits that can trap us, but we can still change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reassess your commitments.
Themes
choice
habit
freedom
consequence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationships
- political movements
- personal growth
Key Concepts
determinism
agency
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits have you accepted without question?
- Can you redefine your goal without losing purpose?
A Different Perspective
Changing course may mean abandoning the original aim.