Favorite Inspirational Quotes

One great difference between a wise man and a fool is, the former only wishes for what he may possibly obtain; the latter desires impossibilities.

Democritus

I have several thoughts on this quote. Let’s see if I can get them out in a way that makes sense, which after all is one reason I do this journaling - to record my thoughts about the inspirational quote and see what I learn in the process. And realizing this is a process is one thing that makes my growth from this journaling an attainable goal.

When you wish for something is it truly obtainable? Most often, I think we wish things were different now than they are and that is not obtainable. However, by setting goals and taking action, we can change things so our future ‘now’ is different. Many people won’t do that. They will simply continue to foolishly wish the past would change. A wise man will take steps toward reaching his ‘wish’ which is really makes it in most cases a vision or goal.

So how can you tell if a wish is obtainable? If you say you want to be rich, many would say that is not obtainable and perhaps, if you are wanting it right now, that’s true. But if you can come up with a plan, set goals to achieve each step of the plan and take action, that wish is an obtainable goal.

Another thing that could make a fool’s wishes impossibilities is that he wishes about something over which he has no control. The fool might be wishing something like that stranger over there would not act the way he is acting. Is that something you can control, someone else’s behavior? Most often, no. So another thing which makes a wish obtainable is whether you have any control over it. If yes, take action. If no, you (I mean me here) are a fool to expend the effort wishing away at it.

However, don’t let anyone else take your dreams and visions away from you by telling you something isn’t obtainable. Too many people seem to stand by ready to caution you or to tell you what you want is impossible. It just may not be for them. That may not apply to you. Or maybe they just can’t stand the idea that you could get ahead where they can’t. It’s the lobsters in the pot syndrome. Just can’t let anyone escape.

So try to be wise about your “wishes” and reach those which you can control. But don’t be foolish about trying to change the past or to change things over which you have no control.

Tags: Democritus