I had set myself an unattainable ideal. Such human skill I…
““I had set myself an unattainable ideal. Such human skill I could summon wasn’t enough for the job. I felt the suicidal despair of all who longed to do what they couldn’t, what only a few in each century could – whether blessed or cursed in spirit. No achievement was ever finite. There was no absolute summit. No peak of Everest to plant a flag on. Success was someone else’s opinion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Pursuing unattainable ideals leads to despair; success is subjective and never absolute.
In simple terms: Chasing impossible goals causes despair.
Key Takeaway
Set realistic goals.
Themes
ambition
despair
subjectivity
achievement
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career aspirations
- artistic pursuits
- academic research
- sports competition
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines success for you?
- How can you balance ambition and well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Obsession with perfection can hinder progress.