This quote suggests that sometimes, when we deeply admire a quality or skill, it can actually discourage us from trying to acquire it ourselves. This could be because the level of mastery or excellence we see in others can seem so far out of our reach that we feel overwhelmed or disheartened. It’s like looking at a mountain from its base – the peak seems so high and the climb so challenging that we might question whether it’s worth even starting the ascent.
This quote also highlights the paradox of admiration. While admiration is generally seen as a positive emotion, in this context, it can be a barrier to our personal growth. It suggests that we might place the object of our admiration on such a high pedestal that we see it as something unattainable, thus discouraging us from even attempting to reach it.
Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development, it can serve as a reminder not to let our admiration for others’ achievements deter us from striving for our own. For example, we might admire a successful entrepreneur, a talented musician, or a skilled artist so much that we think we could never reach their level of expertise. But this kind of thinking can hold us back. Instead, we should use our admiration as motivation to work harder and strive to achieve our own goals.
In the realm of personal development, this quote can be a call to action to not just admire qualities or skills in others, but to actively strive to develop them in ourselves. It reminds us to not be passive observers of excellence, but active participants in the pursuit of it. Even if the quality or skill seems out of reach, the act of striving for it can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
In conclusion, while admiration can be a powerful emotion, it’s important to not let it deter us from our own journey towards self-improvement and excellence. Instead, let it fuel our ambition and determination to reach our own peaks, no matter how high they may seem.
