Achieving Quote by Arthur C. Clarke
““Everybody on this island has one ambition, which may be summed up very simply. It is to do something, however small it may be, better than anyone else. Of course, it’s an ideal we don’t all achieve. But in this modern world the great thing is to have an ideal. Achieving it is considerably less important.””
About This Quote
People strive to excel in small tasks, valuing the pursuit of an ideal more than its achievement, emphasizing the motivational power of having a goal.
In simple terms: Having an ideal motivates, even if not fully achieved.
Key Takeaway
Set a personal ideal, pursue it daily.
Themes
ambition
excellence
motivation
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career
- art
- sports
- community projects
- personal hobbies
Key Concepts
philosophy
goal setting
self-improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- What small ideal drives you?
- How do you balance effort and outcome?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can lead to frustration if expectations are unrealistic.
