There is nothing in the world so difficult as that task of…
““There is nothing in the world so difficult as that task of making up one's mind. Who is there that has not longed that the power and privilege of selection among alternatives should be taken away from him in some important crisis of his life, and that his conduct should be arranged for him, either this way or that, by some divine power if it were possible, - by some patriarchal power in the absence of divinity, - or by chance, even, if nothing better than chance could be found to do it? But no one dares to cast the die, and to go honestly by the hazard. There must be the actual necessity of obeying the die, before even the die can be of any use.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Making a decision feels impossible because we crave external direction; we fear responsibility for outcomes.
In simple terms: Decision making feels hard due to fear of responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Accept responsibility for choices.
Themes
decision making
responsibility
fear
autonomy
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- career crossroads
- relationship decisions
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
existential anxiety
choice paralysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What decision have you avoided?
- How might embracing risk improve your life?
A Different Perspective
Relying on external forces can erode personal growth.