The Problem With Human Beings Is Not That We Aim Too High And Fail

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“The problem with human beings is not that we aim too high and fail; it is that we aim too low and succeed.” – Michelangelo

Michelangelo (1745 – 1564) was an Italian artist who is considered as one of the greatest artist of all time. He was a major force in the development of Western Art during the High Renaissance, along with an equally talented artist Leonardo Da Vinci. He finished two of his greatest works, “Pieta” and “David” before he turned thirty, earning him high praises that two of his biographies were written even before his death. He was also a painter and an architect as demonstrated in his outstanding painting and modification in the Sistine Chapel. His mannerist style and grand masterpieces earned him the title of “Il Divino” or the Divine One.

His astounding works were a result of intense study and an early recognition of his ambitions as an artist. His quote was a clear representation of his philosophy: to create masterpieces that transcends time. It was not without effort, as documented in his biographies. As early as 13, he began his training as a sculptor until he was given the opportunity to train under Bertoldo di Giovanni and meet other prominent artists. Studying classical art and the human anatomy of cadavers helped him achieve keener details in his sculptures and paintings with “intellectual sophistication.”

Michelangelo’s high sense of ambition was the driving force behind his ethereal works. The same can be said with other inspiring people whose works are as immortal as Michelangelo’s “David”.

“Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.” – Oscar Wilde

“Big results require big ambitions.” – Heraclitus