This quote encapsulates the idea that the pursuit of ambitious goals is what gives life its meaning and significance, regardless of whether those goals are ultimately achieved. The phrase “the aim, if reached or not, makes great the life” emphasizes that it is the act of striving for something noble or grand—like becoming a great playwright such as Shakespeare—that enriches our existence. The focus is on the journey rather than merely reaching a destination.
The second part of the quote, “Try to be Shakespeare, leave the rest to fate,” suggests a dual approach: actively pursuing one’s dreams while recognizing that some elements are beyond our control. It encourages individuals to put their utmost effort into their aspirations and then accept whatever outcomes may arise. This acceptance allows for personal growth and resilience in facing challenges.
In today’s world, this concept can be applied in various ways:
1. **Career Aspirations**: Many people set high career goals—wanting to become leaders in their fields or innovators within their industries. By working towards these aims with dedication and creativity (much like aspiring to be Shakespeare), they foster skills and experiences that enhance their professional lives even if they don’t achieve exact benchmarks.
2. **Personal Development**: Individuals might strive for personal growth by aiming to develop qualities such as kindness, intelligence, or creativity. This process itself can lead to profound changes in character and lifestyle; thus even if one doesn’t achieve perfection in self-improvement efforts, pursuing these ideals leads to a richer life experience.
3. **Creative Pursuits**: Artists and writers often grapple with creative aspirations similar to those attributed to Shakespeare—aiming for greatness in their work while acknowledging that not every piece will resonate universally with audiences or critics. Emphasizing effort over perfection helps nurture artistic expression without fear of judgment.
4. **Resilience Building**: In facing setbacks—be it through job loss, personal failure, or unexpected life changes—the principle encourages us not just to aim high but also fosters resilience through acceptance when outcomes do not align with expectations.
Ultimately, this idea promotes an engaged approach toward life’s ambitions where passion fuels action while relinquishing control over every result allows individuals freedom from anxiety about failure—a healthy balance between aspiration and acceptance leading toward fulfillment regardless of external validation.
