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The last achievement of the serious admirer is to stop…

“The last achievement of the serious admirer is to stop immediately putting to work the energies aroused by, filling up the space opened by, what is admired. Thereby talented admirers give themselves permission to breathe, to breathe more deeply. But for that it is necessary to go beyond avidity…” quote by Susan Sontag
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““The last achievement of the serious admirer is to stop immediately putting to work the energies aroused by, filling up the space opened by, what is admired. Thereby talented admirers give themselves permission to breathe, to breathe more deeply. But for that it is necessary to go beyond avidity; to identify with something beyond achievement, beyond the gathering of power.””

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

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

True appreciation requires stepping back from obsessive admiration, allowing space for deeper, non‑achievement‑driven reflection.

In simple terms: Pause admiration to breathe deeper.

Key Takeaway

Detach to gain perspective.

Themes

reflection detachment depth

Mood

contemplative analytical

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art galleries
  • creative work
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

aesthetics philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance admiration and detachment?
  • What practices foster deeper reflection?
A Different Perspective

Risk of disengagement from passion.

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