Believe Quote by Anton Chekhov
“Whoever sincerely believes that elevated and distant goals are as little use to man as a cow, that "all of our problems" come fromsuch goals, is left to eat, drink, sleep, or, when he gets sick of that, to run up to a chest and smash his forehead on its corner.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Cherry Orchard, 1904
The speaker mocks lofty ambitions, suggesting they distract from basic needs and can lead to self-destructive behavior.
In simple terms: High goals can be useless and harmful.
Key Takeaway
Focus on essential needs first.
Themes
skepticism
existentialism
self-destruction
Mood
cynical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- health goals
- personal ambition
- stress management
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- When have lofty goals helped you?
- How can you balance ambition with practicality?
A Different Perspective
The hyperbole may overlook the value of aspiration.
