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There is little danger that any student, however idle or stupid, will fail to get some result; but there is great danger that he will be led astray, obsessed and overwhelmed by his results, even though it be by those which it is necessary that he should attain. Too often, moreover, he mistaketh the first resting-place for the goal, and taketh off his armour as if he were a victor ere the fight is well begun. It is desirable that the student should never attach to any result the importance which it at first seems to possess.

Aleister Crowley#49

PsychologyEducationEgoGrowthLearningPerseveranceProductivity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Students will achieve some result, but they risk becoming obsessed and mistaking early signs for final success; they should not over‑value initial outcomes.
In plain terms
Don’t let early results distract you from the ultimate goal.
What can you take from it?
Maintain perspective and keep moving toward deeper objectives.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • skill acquisition
  • entrepreneurship

Putting it to work

  • set long‑term milestones
  • regularly reassess progress
  • avoid premature celebration

Questions to consider

  • How can one differentiate between a meaningful milestone and a distraction?
  • What habits prevent over‑identification with early success?

Another view

Some early results can be valuable indicators if interpreted correctly.

More from Aleister Crowley

  1. In this book it is spoken of the Sephiroth and the Paths; of Spirits and Conjurations; of Gods, Spheres, Planes, and many other things which may or may not exi…

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. The following is an attempt to systematize alike the data of mysticism and the results of comparative religion. The skeptic will applaud our labours, for that …

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. The Inmost is one with the Inmost; yet the form of the One is not the form of the other; intimacy exacts fitness. He therefore who liveth by air, let him not b…

    Permalink to quote #47

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