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Gripped by a feverish urge to climb, he felt like running…

“Gripped by a feverish urge to climb, he felt like running up the stone stairs. People often talk of the attraction of the abyss. There is also the abyss above. Borluut was still going up; he would have liked to keep on going up for ever, melancholy at the thought that the stairway was doubtless…” quote by Georges Rodenbach
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““Gripped by a feverish urge to climb, he felt like running up the stone stairs. People often talk of the attraction of the abyss. There is also the abyss above. Borluut was still going up; he would have liked to keep on going up for ever, melancholy at the thought that the stairway was doubtless going to stop and that at the end, on the edge of the air, he would still yearn to continue, go farther, higher.””

Georges Rodenbach

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A yearning to ascend beyond limits, even when the ascent is doomed to end, reflects a restless drive for transcendence.

In simple terms: Desire to keep climbing despite inevitable limits.

Key Takeaway

Embrace ambition but accept finite horizons.

Themes

ambition transcendence melancholy human desire limits

Mood

reflective poignant inspirational

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • mountain climbing
  • career advancement
  • creative pursuits
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literary symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you to seek endless ascent?
  • How do you balance ambition with realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective

The pursuit may lead to burnout or disillusionment if limits are ignored.

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