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She resembled the swallow in the fable who once every…

“She resembled the swallow in the fable who once every thousand years transferred a grain of wheat, in the hope of rearing a mountain to reach the moon. Such persons are raised up in every age; they obstinately insist on transporting their grains of wheat and they derive a certain exhilaration from…” quote by Thornton Wilder
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““She resembled the swallow in the fable who once every thousand years transferred a grain of wheat, in the hope of rearing a mountain to reach the moon. Such persons are raised up in every age; they obstinately insist on transporting their grains of wheat and they derive a certain exhilaration from the sneers of the bystanders. “How queerly they dress!” we cry. “How queerly they dress!””

Thornton Wilder

About This Quote

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

A person who obsessively pursues an impossible goal finds joy in defying skeptics, even if the effort seems futile.

In simple terms: Obsessive ambition can be thrilling despite absurdity.

Key Takeaway

Embrace ambition but assess feasibility.

Themes

ambition skepticism exhilaration defiance

Mood

defiant energetic reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career ambition
  • artistic projects
  • personal challenges
  • public criticism

Key Concepts

mythic symbolism psychology of perseverance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you to pursue seemingly impossible goals?
  • How do you balance ambition with practicality?
A Different Perspective

Obsessive pursuits may waste resources and alienate allies.

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