Some persons can give themselves away to an ambitious…
![“Some persons can give themselves away to an ambitious pursuit and have that be all the giving-away-to-something they need to do [...] American experience seems to suggest that people are virtually unlimited in their need to give themselves away, on various levels. Some just prefer to do it in…” quote by David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/1e0/david-foster-wallace-161_giving-away_some-persons-can-give-themselves-away-to_2995169.jpg)
““Some persons can give themselves away to an ambitious pursuit and have that be all the giving-away-to-something they need to do [...] American experience seems to suggest that people are virtually unlimited in their need to give themselves away, on various levels. Some just prefer to do it in secret.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often give themselves wholly to ambitious goals, sometimes in secret, reflecting an almost unlimited capacity to sacrifice.
In simple terms: Ambition drives self‑sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize healthy limits.
Themes
ambition
self‑sacrifice
privacy
Mood
introspective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career pursuits
- artistic creation
- personal missions
Key Concepts
Psychology of drive
cultural expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your deepest commitments?
- When does dedication become self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Excessive sacrifice can lead to burnout.