Of the twenty-two civilizations that have appeared in history, nineteen of them collapsed when they reached the moral state the United States is in now.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on a larger goal can help you achieve your primary objective more effectively.
This quote from Arnold J. Toynbee emphasizes that if you concentrate solely on achieving a specific goal, you may limit your potential. Instead, by setting your sights on a broader or more ambitious target, you create a pathway that may lead you to surpass your initial expectations and achieve greater success.
Themes
GoalsAmbitionSuccessLife PrinciplePotential
In practice
Example use cases
Motivational speeches aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs.
More from Arnold J. Toynbee
All quotes →No being can be what he is unless he is putting his essence into action in his field.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
Write regularly, day in and day out, at whatever times of day you find that you write best. Don't wait till you feel that you are in the mood. Write, whether you are feeling inclined to write or not.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
I do not believe that civilizations have to die because civilization is not an organism. It is a product of wills.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
Sooner or later, man has always had to decide whether he worships his own power or the power of God.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
Love's way of dealing with us is different from conscience's way. Conscience commands; love inspires. What we do out of love, we do because we want to.
Arnold J. ToynbeeRead
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