Desire Quote by Milan Kundera
“Anyone whose goal is 'something higher' must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.”
About This Quote
The quote describes a deep, existential dread that arises when one as for higher aspirations, a feeling of emptiness that tempts one toward self‑destruction, not merely fear of physical falling.
In simple terms: Higher ambition can trigger a profound inner void that lures one toward self‑sabotage.
Key Takeaway
Ambition may awaken an inner emptiness that tempts self‑destruction.
Themes
existentialism
ambition
inner conflict
psychology
fear
Mood
introspective
somber
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- pursuing a creative breakthrough
- seeking spiritual enlightenment
- climbing a corporate ladder
- undertaking a risky venture
Key Concepts
emptiness
vertigo
self‑sabotage
Practical Applications
- counseling for high‑achievers
- leadership coaching
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner void might be driving your highest aspirations?
- How can you recognize and manage the lure of self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that the feeling is simply anxiety about failure, not a distinct 'vertigo' of emptiness.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
