We look for some reward of our endeavors and are…
“We look for some reward of our endeavors and are disappointed that not success, not happiness, not even peace of conscience, crowns our ineffectual efforts to do well. Our frailties are invincible, our virtues barren; the battle goes sore against us to the going down of the sun.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human effort often yields no reward, leading to disappointment and a sense of futility despite moral striving.
In simple terms: Effort can feel pointless and disappointing.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits, seek intrinsic fulfillment.
Themes
disappointment
effort
morality
existential
resilience
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career setbacks
- personal relationships
- creative projects
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
nihilism
human condition
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What values sustain you when external rewards fail?
- How can you redefine success personally?
A Different Perspective
Even without success, meaning can be found in growth.