Many Are Stubborn In Pursuit Of The Path They Have Chosen

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“Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.” – Friedrich Nietzche

Friedrich Nietzche (1844 – 1900) was a late 19th German philosopher known for his influential works on morality, individualism, existentialism, and religion. He was known for his famous statement “God is dead” that sums up his belief in the antiquity of religion and the ability of man to redeem himself. His works became an influence for the later philosophers, writers, and psychologists.

In Robert Sternberg’s book “In Search of the Human Mind”, he listed 20 reasons why intelligent people fail. Contrary to popular opinion, even the most intelligent person can still end up failing if he/she does not have the traits necessary to get through obstacles. Though many people pursue their ambition, only few of them are actually working their way one obstacle at a time.

In many of his books, Nietzche emphasized the importance of humans to expand their horizons and reach their highest potential. The quote above reveals how most people are doing it wrong by pursuing the path and not the goal. Henry David Thoreau’s insight on the essence of goals in humans’ lives was made clear in his quote: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” The goal then is to become an improved human being and not simply to acquire material wealth.

Similar quotes on goals are helpful in finding out what it really means and how to attain it:

“Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” – Seneca

“The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize.” – Richard Monckton Milnes