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At one time my only wish was to be a police official. It…

“At one time my only wish was to be a police official. It seemed to me to be an occupation for my sleepless intriguing mind. I had the idea that there, among criminals, were people to fight: clever, vigorous, crafty fellows. Later I realized that it was good that I did not become one, for most…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard
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“At one time my only wish was to be a police official. It seemed to me to be an occupation for my sleepless intriguing mind. I had the idea that there, among criminals, were people to fight: clever, vigorous, crafty fellows. Later I realized that it was good that I did not become one, for most police cases involve misery and wretchedness-not crimes and scandals.”

Soren Kierkegaard

About This Quote

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

He idealized police work as a thrilling intellectual challenge, later realizing the reality is often grim and not as intellectually rewarding.

In simple terms: He thought police work was exciting, but found it bleak.

Key Takeaway

Consider the reality of a profession before idealizing it.

Themes

idealism career disillusionment reality

Mood

thoughtful cautious introspective

Type

philosophical career advice

When to use this quote

  • career counseling
  • education decisions
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

vocational choice expectation vs reality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What attracted you to a career?
  • How do you verify a profession’s reality?
A Different Perspective

His view may be romanticized and not universally applicable.

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