"To decide to become a philosopher seemed as foolish to me as to decide to become a poet"

Karl Jaspers' quote suggests that he did not see philosophy and poetry as professions that a person might simply choose to pursue. Instead, he implies that these are callings that require a particular level of skill and dedication. He implies that it is insufficient to just choose to end up being a thinker or poet; one must have the required abilities and enthusiasm to be successful. Jaspers' quote likewise suggests that he did not view viewpoint and poetry as easy paths to success. He implies that these are hard and demanding occupations that need a great deal of effort and dedication. Ultimately, Jaspers' quote suggests that one need to have a certain level of skill and dedication to pursue either philosophy or poetry, and that just deciding to become a theorist or poet is insufficient.