Accidents Quote by Thomas Merton
“If it so happened that I had once written a best-seller, this was a pure accident, due to inattention and naivete, and I would take very good care never to do the same again. If I had a message for my contemporaries, I said, it was surely this: Be anything you like, be madmen, drunks, and bastards of every shape and form, but at all costs avoid one thing: success.”
About This Quote
Accidental success can be misleading; the author advises avoiding the pursuit of success to stay authentic and free.
In simple terms: Success can trap you; stay true to yourself instead.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authenticity over chasing success.
Themes
success
authenticity
freedom
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
inspirational
personal
When to use this quote
- career choices
- artistic pursuits
- life philosophy
Key Concepts
personal growth
creative integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does success mean to you personally?
- How can you measure fulfillment beyond external achievements?
A Different Perspective
Success may bring pressure and loss of purpose.
