An achievement is a bondage. It obliges one to a higher achievement.
Interpretation
Achievements can create pressure to achieve even more, leading to a cycle of striving.
In this quote, Albert Camus suggests that while achieving something significant is often celebrated, it can also impose new expectations and responsibilities on an individual. Once one achievement is reached, the individual may feel compelled to pursue even greater accomplishments, creating a sense of bondage to the pursuit of success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to address the challenges of pursuing success.
The Poor Man whom everyone speaks of, the Poor Man whom everyone pities, one of the repulsive Poor from whom charitable souls keep their distance, he has still said nothing. Or, rather, he has spoken through the voice of Victor Hugo, Zola, Richepin. At least, they said so. And these shameful impostures fed their authors. Cruel irony, the Poor Man tormented with hunger feeds those who plead his case.
The certainty of a God giving meaning to life far surpasses in attractiveness the ability to behave badly with impunity. The choice would not be hard to make. But there is no choice and that is where the bitterness comes in. The absurd does not liberate; it binds.
Between history and the eternal I have chosen history because I like certainties. Of it, at least, I am certain, and how can I deny this force crushing me.
Don't wait for the last judgment - it takes place every day.
A single sentence will suffice for modern man. He fornicated and read the papers. After that vigorous definition, the subject will be, if I may say so, exhausted.
At times I feel myself overtaken by an immense tenderness for these people around me who live in the same century.
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
To WOW, you must differentiate yourself, which means do something a little unconventional and innovative. You must do something thatβs above and beyond whatβs expected. And whatever you do must have an emotional impact on the receiver.
For life affords no higher pleasure, than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified. He that labours in any great or laudable undertaking, has his fatigues first supported by hope, and afterwards rewarded by joy... To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity.
Why not be oneself? That is the whole secret of a successful appearance. If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekingese?
He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.
Your ability to set goals is the master skill of success. Goals unlock your positive mind and release ideas and energy for goal attainment. Without goals, you simply drift and flow on the currents of life. With goals, you fly like an arrow, straight and true to your target.
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