People Quote by Robert Aickman
“It is strange that people train themselves so carefully to go to waste so prematurely”
About This Quote
Source Short story: The Hospice, Robert Aickman, 1961
People often over‑prepare for failure, investing effort in outcomes that end up being wasted.
In simple terms: People prepare too much for things that end up failing.
Key Takeaway
Avoid over‑investing in uncertain outcomes.
Themes
preparation
failure
anticipation
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- relationship expectations
- financial investments
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑sabotage
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you fear losing if you don’t prepare?
- How can you balance preparation with flexibility?
A Different Perspective
Even careful preparation cannot guarantee success; risk remains.
![“Give up all the wild ideas that buzz round you like wasps. Or like bluebottles. […] Find a nice, ordinary girl, not too attractive or you’ll be jealous all the time, not too bright or you’ll be anxious all the time, not too rich or you’ll have nothing to strive for, not too original or she’ll…” quote by Robert Aickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/27e/robert-aickman-25472_quote_give-up-all-the-wild-ideas-that-buzz-rou_1626494.jpg)
