"Without some goals and some efforts to reach it, no man can live"

John Dewey’s insight emphasizes the profound relationship between purposeful living and human fulfillment. Goals act as the guiding stars that illuminate the path of one’s life, offering direction and meaning in a world often marked by uncertainty. To live without setting objectives or aspiring to reach them is to float aimlessly, deprived of the animation that stems from ambition and progress. Human beings are inherently driven by aspirations, whether large or small, conscious or unconscious. Goals provide both a reason to act and a justification for our efforts; without them, even daily tasks can lose their significance, leading to feelings of restlessness or emptiness.

Effort, in this context, is closely intertwined with the goals we define. A desire or dream alone is not sufficient; active striving transforms abstract intentions into tangible reality. It is through repeated efforts, sometimes facing setbacks and failures, that individuals grow, learn, and ultimately realize their potential. Every attempt, whether successful or not, becomes an opportunity for self-discovery and development. The process of working towards goals also shapes character, fostering qualities such as perseverance, resilience, and discipline.

Moreover, Dewey’s observation underscores a universal truth about the human condition: a meaningful existence is constructed not solely by reaching milestones, but by the ongoing act of pursuing them. The journey, filled with challenges and triumphs alike, is what endows life with vibrancy and richness. When goals are absent, motivation withers, leading to stagnation and a sense of disconnection from one’s own life. Ultimately, the act of setting and striving for goals nurtures a sense of purpose, anchoring us amid life’s inevitable uncertainties and changes. Through this ongoing pursuit, individuals experience growth, fulfillment, and a sense of truly living.