"Men never cling to their dreams with such tenacity as at the moment when they are losing faith in them, and know it, but do not dare yet to confess it to themselves"
- William Graham Sumner
About this Quote
William Graham Sumner's quote talks to the intricate human relationship with dreams and goals, especially during times of doubt and imminent loss. At its heart, the quote checks out the paradox of human behavior when challenged with the fading possibility of a dream becoming truth.
The text suggests that people often hold onto their dreams most increasingly when they sense these dreams escaping. This tenacity, instead of an indication of growing belief or hope, is actually an indicator of underlying insecurity and fear. Sumner astutely observes the inner conflict in between the mindful acknowledgment of a dream's diminishing possibility and the hesitation to consciously confess this truth.
In more detail, the minute of "losing faith" can be a troubled period filled with psychological chaos. People are naturally reluctant to accept failure or the need to give up ambitions that have actually defined their paths and identities. By holding on to their dreams throughout these times, individuals might be trying to retain control over their future or promote a sense of purpose, even as they internally battle with the fact.
This clinging can also be a defense mechanism, a way to delay fight with dissatisfaction and preserve a form of hope. The "minute" Sumner describes is crucial-- it is a liminal space where reality and desire clash. In spite of acknowledging the futility of their determination on some level, individuals frequently think twice to totally acknowledge it (the confession to themselves). This delay might use temporary solace, but it is also a reflection of vulnerability and resistance to change.
In amount, Sumner's observation records the poignant paradox of human aspiration: the more powerful our dreams are challenged, the more desperately we may cling to them, exposing deep-seated fears about identity and failure, and an internal struggle with accepting the limits of truth.
"Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding"
"Dreams are free. Goals have a cost. While you can daydream for free, goals don't come without a price. Time, effort, sacrifice, and sweat. How will you pay for your goals?"
"In the year since we brought things into the open with a clean breath of fresh air at City Hall, we have learned about corrupt spending practices and unethical conflicts of interest that waste your money... and keep Dallas from being the great city of our dreams"
"O reason, reason, abstract phantom of the waking state, I had already expelled you from my dreams, now I have reached a point where those dreams are about to become fused with apparent realities: now there is only room here for myself"
