An archer competing for a clay vessel shoots effortlessly…
“An archer competing for a clay vessel shoots effortlessly, his or her skill and concentration unimpeded. If the prize is changed to a brass ornament, the hands begin to shake. If it is changed to gold, he or she squints as if going blind. The abilities do not deteriorate, but belief in them does, as he or she allows the supposed value of an external reward to cloud the vision.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
External rewards can distort perception and undermine confidence, even when abilities remain unchanged.
In simple terms: Rewards can cloud confidence.
Key Takeaway
Focus on intrinsic skill, not external value.
Themes
confidence
confidence
motivation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- sports competition
- workplace incentives
- creative projects
- academic exams
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑efficacy
value perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What rewards do you value most?
- How do you maintain confidence when incentives change?
A Different Perspective
If the reward is intrinsic, performance may improve rather than decline.