Achievement; the death of endeavor and the birth of disgust.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that once achievement is attained, the desire to strive for more can lead to dissatisfaction.
Ambrose Bierce's quote highlights the paradox of achievement, suggesting that once a goal is reached, the excitement and desire that fueled the efforts may turn into disillusionment. It implies that the journey and struggle are valuable, and achieving a goal can sometimes lead to a sense of emptiness if one is not careful to maintain ongoing passion and ambition. The transition from endeavor to disgust reflects the emotional complexity surrounding success and the potential for loss of motivation.
In practice
In a motivational speech about perseverance, one might reference this quote to illustrate the challenges faced after achieving a goal.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
My game is a lot about footwork. If I move well, I play well.
I was honored to wear 'Arizona' across my chest. I am extremely blessed to have my education completely paid for and take part in the great tradition of Wildcat softball. To have my jersey number retired was the ultimate compliment.
We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make sacrifices that come along with making that decision.
There's nothing more satisfying than having an idea and seeing it through to find out that, not only did you like it, but the audience and critics all seemed to agree.
A ball player has to be kept hungry to become a big leaguer. That's why no boy from a rich family has ever made the big leagues.
Number one, cash is king... number two, communicate... number three, buy or bury the competition.
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