Oscar Wilde said: 'Each man kills the thing he loves.' And…
““Oscar Wilde said: 'Each man kills the thing he loves.' And it's true. The mere possibility of getting what we want fills the soul of the ordinary person with guilt. We look around at all those who have failed to get what they want and feel that we do not deserve to get what we want either. We forget about all the obstacles we overcame, all the suffering we endured, all the things we had to give up in order to get this far. I have known a lot of people who, when their personal calling was within their grasp, went on to commit a series of stupid mistakes and never reached their goal - when it was only a step away. This is the most dangerous of the obstacles because it has a kind of saintly aura about it. Renouncing joy and conquest. But if you believe yourself worthy of the thing you fought so hard to get, then you become an instrument of God, you help the Soul of the World, and you understand why you are here.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desire creates guilt; fear of success can sabotage us, yet believing in worth transforms us into purposeful agents.
In simple terms: Desire brings guilt; belief in worth empowers.
Key Takeaway
Embrace worthiness and act purposefully.
Themes
desire
guilt
self‑worth
purpose
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career goals
- creative projects
- personal calling
- spiritual quests
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology of ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does worthiness mean to you?
- How can you turn guilt into motivation?
A Different Perspective
Self‑doubt can block progress despite desire.