We like to stress the commonness of heroes. Essences seem…
““We like to stress the commonness of heroes. Essences seem undemocratic. We feel oppressed by the call to greatness. We regard an interest in glory or perfection as a sign of mental unhealthiness, and have decided that high achievers, who are called overachievers, owe their surplus ambition to a defect in mothering (either too little or too much). We want to admire but think we have a right not to be intimidated. We dislike feeling inferior to an ideal. So away with ideals, with essences. The only ideals allowed are healthy ones -- those everyone may aspire to, or comfortably imagine oneself possessing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We are pressured to reject lofty ideals and overachievers, seeing ambition as unhealthy, preferring modest, attainable goals.
In simple terms: People fear elite ideals and label ambition as a flaw, favoring realistic aspirations.
Key Takeaway
Accept healthy aspirations, reject unhealthy disdain for achievement.
Themes
self-doubt
achievement
idealism
mental health
social pressure
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- academic pursuits
- creative projects
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
cultural critique
self-esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance ambition with wellbeing?
- What healthy ideals inspire you?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can motivate growth; dismissing it may limit potential.