Collision Quote by James Thurber
“Man is flying too fast for a world that is round. Soon he will catch up with himself in a great rear end collision.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, 1939
Human ambition outpaces reality, leading to inevitable self‑collision when fantasies clash with the world.
In simple terms: We chase dreams faster than reality can keep up.
Key Takeaway
Balance ambition with realistic expectations.
Themes
ambition
reality
humor
self‑awareness
Mood
humorous
reflective
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal goal setting
- creative pursuits
Key Concepts
Existential absurdity
psychology
satire
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay grounded while pursuing big dreams?
- When have you felt reality catch up to your expectations?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on ambition can cause burnout or disappointment.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
