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Aim high Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“In the long run men only hit what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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““In the long run men only hit what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.””

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Essay: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Success depends on setting ambitious goals; even if you fail initially, aiming high yields progress.

In simple terms: Aim high, even if you miss at first.

Key Takeaway

Set lofty goals, accept early setbacks.

Themes

ambition goal‑setting resilience

Mood

determined optimistic

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • academic research
  • entrepreneurial ventures
  • personal development

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What high goal can you set today?
  • How do you handle early setbacks?
A Different Perspective

High goals can cause discouragement if early failures dominate.

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