"J'ai toujours eu un besoin répulsif d'être quelque chose de plus qu'humain."
Quote meaning
David Bowie once expressed a profound sentiment of dissatisfaction with mere human existence, yearning to transcend it and achieve something more extraordinary, something almost superhuman. This isn't about wanting to be literally more than human, like acquiring superpowers, but rather striving to push the boundaries of what we think is possible for ourselves. That feeling of not wanting to settle for mediocrity, of wanting to break free from the mundane and achieve something truly remarkable, resonates with many of us.
Bowie's unique perspective can be tied to his ever-evolving artistic persona. He was constantly reinventing himself, pushing the limits of his creativity, and challenging societal norms. This drive for more, this repulsion toward settling, is what made him such an iconic figure. He didn't just want to be a good musician or actor; he wanted to change the game, to be extraordinary.
Take Elon Musk, for example. Here's a guy who doesn't just dabble in one field—he's revolutionizing multiple industries. Whether it's electric cars with Tesla, space travel with SpaceX, or even digging tunnels with The Boring Company, Musk is always pushing the envelope. He wasn’t content to just be a successful tech entrepreneur; he wanted to be something more, something that could make a real impact on the world. His vision goes beyond the typical human aspirations of wealth and success—he's aiming to change the course of humanity.
So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel you're just coasting. Maybe it's your career, your personal relationships, or even a hobby. Ask yourself: Am I satisfied with just being good, or do I want to be exceptional? Once you’ve pinpointed these areas, set ambitious goals. Don't be afraid to dream big. And then, take concrete steps to achieve those goals. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about consistent effort and a never-ending drive to improve.
Imagine you're a writer. You could be content with churning out a few articles here and there, making a decent living. But what if you had a “repulsive need” to be more? You might start by writing a novel, something that scares you because it seems so out of reach. You push through the fear, write every day, and eventually, you have a manuscript. Maybe it gets published, maybe it doesn't. But you've pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone, and that's where the magic happens.
Think about it like this: You're a marathon runner who’s always finished in the middle of the pack. But what if you had that burning need to be more? You'd train harder, smarter, and maybe one day, you’d find yourself crossing the finish line first. It’s that inner drive, that refusal to be just "human," that propels you to greatness.
So, next time you find yourself feeling complacent, remember Bowie's words. Let that discomfort fuel you. Strive to be extraordinary. Push past your limits. Because who wants to be just human when you can be something more?
Bowie's unique perspective can be tied to his ever-evolving artistic persona. He was constantly reinventing himself, pushing the limits of his creativity, and challenging societal norms. This drive for more, this repulsion toward settling, is what made him such an iconic figure. He didn't just want to be a good musician or actor; he wanted to change the game, to be extraordinary.
Take Elon Musk, for example. Here's a guy who doesn't just dabble in one field—he's revolutionizing multiple industries. Whether it's electric cars with Tesla, space travel with SpaceX, or even digging tunnels with The Boring Company, Musk is always pushing the envelope. He wasn’t content to just be a successful tech entrepreneur; he wanted to be something more, something that could make a real impact on the world. His vision goes beyond the typical human aspirations of wealth and success—he's aiming to change the course of humanity.
So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel you're just coasting. Maybe it's your career, your personal relationships, or even a hobby. Ask yourself: Am I satisfied with just being good, or do I want to be exceptional? Once you’ve pinpointed these areas, set ambitious goals. Don't be afraid to dream big. And then, take concrete steps to achieve those goals. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about consistent effort and a never-ending drive to improve.
Imagine you're a writer. You could be content with churning out a few articles here and there, making a decent living. But what if you had a “repulsive need” to be more? You might start by writing a novel, something that scares you because it seems so out of reach. You push through the fear, write every day, and eventually, you have a manuscript. Maybe it gets published, maybe it doesn't. But you've pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone, and that's where the magic happens.
Think about it like this: You're a marathon runner who’s always finished in the middle of the pack. But what if you had that burning need to be more? You'd train harder, smarter, and maybe one day, you’d find yourself crossing the finish line first. It’s that inner drive, that refusal to be just "human," that propels you to greatness.
So, next time you find yourself feeling complacent, remember Bowie's words. Let that discomfort fuel you. Strive to be extraordinary. Push past your limits. Because who wants to be just human when you can be something more?
Related tags
Ambition Aspiration Existentialism Human condition Identity Philosophy Self-discovery Self-improvement Transcendence
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