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Failure Quote by Anonymous

“Gaily bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado. But he grew old— This knight so bold— And o’er his heart a shadow— Fell as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado. And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met…” quote by Anonymous
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“Gaily bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado. But he grew old— This knight so bold— And o’er his heart a shadow— Fell as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado. And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met a pilgrim shadow— ‘Shadow,’ said he, ‘Where can it be— This land of Eldorado?’ ‘Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride,’ The shade replied,— ‘If you seek for Eldorado!”

Anonymous

About This Quote

A knight’s relentless quest for a legendary treasure ends in disillusionment when the promised riches prove unattainable, revealing the futility of chasing idealized goals.

In simple terms: The pursuit of an impossible dream leads to emptiness.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning, not mythic wealth.

Themes

illusion quest disillusionment mortality wisdom

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

poetic allegorical

When to use this quote

  • exploring personal ambition
  • reflecting on career goals
  • navigating life’s setbacks
  • reassessing success metrics

Key Concepts

ideal vs. reality human ambition spiritual journey

Practical Applications

  • coaching for realistic goal setting
  • literary analysis of mythic narratives

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does Eldorado symbolize for you?
  • How can you balance aspiration with practicality?
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