… it is one thing to desire, another to be in capacity fit for what we desire.

… it is one thing to desire, another to be in capacity fit for what we desire.

Thomas Hobbes

The quote, “… it is one thing to desire, another to be in capacity fit for what we desire,” highlights a crucial distinction between wanting something and being prepared or equipped to achieve it. Desire is often driven by passion, aspiration, or longing; it represents our hopes and dreams. However, the ability to fulfill those desires requires more than just wanting— it necessitates readiness in terms of skills, knowledge, resources, and personal development.

To unpack this further:

1. **Desire vs. Capacity**: Desiring something might stem from inspiration or vision—a dream job, a loving relationship, financial success—yet having the capacity means having the necessary qualifications or attributes needed to pursue that dream effectively. For instance, someone may desire a high-paying job but may lack the educational background required for that position.

2. **Self-Reflection**: This quote encourages introspection about our ambitions. It prompts us to evaluate whether our goals align with our current skill set and life circumstances. Are we putting energy into wishing for things without taking concrete steps towards becoming capable of achieving them?

3. **Growth Mindset**: The idea aligns with the concept of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Understanding that there’s often a gap between where we are and where we want to be can motivate us toward personal growth.

### Application in Today’s World

1. **Career Aspirations**: In professional settings today—especially with rapid technological advancements—it’s common for individuals to aspire toward roles they find appealing (e.g., tech entrepreneur). However, achieving such roles might require acquiring specific skills (like programming) which necessitates commitment towards learning and self-improvement.

2. **Personal Development**: In personal relationships or health goals (like fitness), simply desiring love or good health doesn’t automatically grant those outcomes; one must actively cultivate emotional intelligence or commit to regular exercise regimes respectively.

3. **Goal Setting**: This concept reinforces effective goal-setting strategies like SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). By ensuring desires are coupled with actionable plans built on current capabilities—or outlining clear steps needed for improvement—we can better navigate towards achieving those desires.

4. **Overcoming Fear of Failure**: Recognizing this distinction can also alleviate some fear associated with failure since individuals understand progress as part of developing their capacities rather than merely meeting immediate expectations associated with their desires.

In summary, this quote serves as both a reminder and an invitation—to not only dream but also develop ourselves into capable individuals who can make those dreams attainable realities through persistent effort and learning.

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