Achievement Quote by Dag Hammarskjold
“Never let success hide its emptiness from you, achievement its nothingness, toil its desolation. And so...keep alive the incentive to push on further, that pain in the soul which drives us beyond ourselves...Do not look back. And do not dream about the future, either. It will neither give you back the past, nor satisfy your other daydreams. Your duty, your reward - your destiny - are here and now.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance, 1961
Success can feel empty; continual effort and present‑moment focus give purpose.
In simple terms: Keep striving, stay present.
Key Takeaway
Focus on current purpose, not past or future.
Themes
purpose
mindfulness
effort
impermanence
motivation
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career
- creative projects
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existential meaning
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives you beyond achievement?
- How can you stay present while planning?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring present duties can lead to stagnation.
