Whoever, in middle age, attempts to realize the wishes and hopes of his early youth, invariably deceives himself. Each ten years of a man's life has its own fortunes, its own hopes, its own desires.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trying to fulfill youthful dreams in middle age misleads you; each decade brings its own hopes and circumstances.
- In plain terms
- Chasing early‑life wishes later often leads to self‑deception.
- What can you take from it?
- Align goals with your current stage of life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What early dream still inspires you?
- How do you balance past hopes with present reality?
Another view
Some early dreams remain relevant and motivating regardless of age.
More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
When ideas fail, words come in very handy.
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Permalink to quote #153 When a man stops to ponder his physical or moral condition, he generally finds he is ill.
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