When I got the opportunity to do the new wing [the…
![“When I got the opportunity to do the new wing [the Schauhaus] for the German Historical Museum, for instance, I didn't see it as an opportunity for my own ego, to do something so exciting that every architectural publication would want to put it on the cover. I accepted it because I knew it was…” quote by I. M. Pei](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/89d/i-m-pei-21076_accepted_when-i-got-the-opportunity-to-do-the-new_284075.jpg)
“When I got the opportunity to do the new wing [the Schauhaus] for the German Historical Museum, for instance, I didn't see it as an opportunity for my own ego, to do something so exciting that every architectural publication would want to put it on the cover. I accepted it because I knew it was going to be a very difficult project, and I wasn't sure I could do something exciting there.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He accepted a challenging project not for ego but because of its difficulty and potential for growth.
In simple terms: He chose difficulty over ego.
Key Takeaway
Seek challenges to grow.
Themes
challenge
ego
growth
Mood
determined
thoughtful
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- creative projects
- leadership
- risk taking
Key Concepts
architectural ambition
self‑efficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What difficult project could you pursue?
- How do you balance ego and challenge?
A Different Perspective
Difficulty can cause failure or burnout.