Skip to content

Success Quote by Dick Francis

“I had set myself an unattainable ideal. Such human skill I could summon wasn’t enough for the job. I felt the suicidal despair of all who longed to do what they couldn’t, what only a few in each century could – whether blessed or cursed in spirit. No achievement was ever finite. There was no…” quote by Dick Francis
Download Open image
““I had set myself an unattainable ideal. Such human skill I could summon wasn’t enough for the job. I felt the suicidal despair of all who longed to do what they couldn’t, what only a few in each century could – whether blessed or cursed in spirit. No achievement was ever finite. There was no absolute summit. No peak of Everest to plant a flag on. Success was someone else’s opinion.””

Dick Francis

About This Quote

Pursuing unattainable ideals leads to despair; success is subjective and never absolute.

In simple terms: Chasing impossible goals causes despair.

Key Takeaway

Set realistic goals.

Themes

ambition despair subjectivity achievement

Mood

thoughtful somber

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career aspirations
  • artistic pursuits
  • academic research
  • sports competition
  • personal development

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines success for you?
  • How can you balance ambition and well‑being?
A Different Perspective

Obsession with perfection can hinder progress.

3.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Dick Francis

Explore all 48 Dick Francis quotes

More Success quotes

Browse all 41,560 Success quotes