But young men have not only this frivolous ambition of…
““But young men have not only this frivolous ambition of being thought masters of execution, inciting them on the one hand, but also their natural sloth tempting them on the other. They are terrified at the prospect before them, of the toil required to attain exactness. The impetuosity of youth is disgusted at the slow approaches of a regular siege, and desires, from mere impatience of labour, to take the citadel by storm. They wish to find some shorter path to excellence, and hope to obtain the reward of eminence by other means, than those which the indispensable rules of art have prescribed.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Youth often seeks quick, dramatic success, fearing the slow, disciplined effort required for true mastery, thus neglecting essential artistic principles.
In simple terms: Young people want fast glory, not hard work.
Key Takeaway
Patience and discipline are essential for excellence.
Themes
youth
ambition
excellence
discipline
patience
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- academic study
- skill acquisition
Key Concepts
growth mindset
deliberate practice
Practical Applications
- set realistic milestones
- embrace incremental learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance youthful vigor with disciplined practice?
- When is a shortcut justified in creative work?
A Different Perspective
Rapid innovation sometimes benefits from bold, unconventional shortcuts.