Accomplish Quote by Massimo Pigliucci
“Often we can change things, and a realistic attitude - including envisioning worse case scenarios - actually helps to accomplish that change. But if you truly cannot do anything about something, then why on earth would you want to make things even worse for you by falling into despair? It seems like adding a self-inflicting injury to the already existing one.”
About This Quote
Source Book: How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci, 2017
Adopts a realistic, worst‑case mindset to enable change, but warns against despair when powerless, as it worsens self‑harm.
In simple terms: Plan for worst case, avoid despair when helpless.
Key Takeaway
Use realistic planning, accept limits.
Themes
stoicism
resilience
planning
despair
Mood
serious
hopeful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- crisis management
- mental health
- goal setting
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you accept limits?
- How can you transform helplessness into action?
A Different Perspective
Despair may still arise despite rational planning.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
