Doubt Quote by William Deresiewicz
““A man never rises so high as when he knows not whither he is going.” The desire to eliminate uncertainty eliminates life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death of the Artist, William Deresiewicz, 2009
Without clear direction, ambition can become aimless, and the drive to remove all uncertainty can strip life of its meaning.
In simple terms: Lack of direction leads to emptiness; seeking certainty can kill purpose.
Key Takeaway
Find purpose before chasing certainty.
Themes
purpose
direction
ambition
uncertainty
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal growth
- creative projects
- decision making
Key Concepts
existentialism
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What direction guides your ambitions?
- How does uncertainty shape your life?
A Different Perspective
Overcomingizing can cause paralysis and missed opportunities.
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_jane-austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
