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"可能性高于现实。"

Martin Heidegger
Martin Heidegger Philosopher
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Quote meaning
When thinking about the phrase "The possible ranks higher than the actual", it's really about the power of potential versus the reality of what is. It suggests that what could be—our dreams, plans, and aspirations—should be valued more highly than the current state of things. This idea encourages us to look beyond present limitations and focus on the boundless opportunities the future holds.

Historically, this kind of thinking has been pivotal during times of innovation and change. Consider the Renaissance period, when visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci looked beyond the confines of their time. They imagined flying machines and underwater exploration tools centuries before they became reality. Their belief in the possible, despite the actual being far from it, drove humanity forward.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example to illustrate this. Think about Elon Musk. Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Musk embodies this principle. When he founded SpaceX, the idea of a private company launching rockets seemed like science fiction. The actual situation was that space exploration was dominated by government agencies with budgets and resources far beyond any private entity. But Musk saw the potential. He imagined a world where space travel was more accessible, and he worked tirelessly towards that vision, despite numerous failures and setbacks. And look at SpaceX now—launching regular missions and even looking toward Mars.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by dreaming big. Don’t let the current state of affairs box you in. If you’re thinking about a career change, a new business idea, or even a personal project, focus on the potential. Sure, the actual reality might be challenging—maybe you don’t have the skills yet, or the market seems saturated. But if you value the possible more, you’ll put in the effort to learn, adapt, and innovate. Keep asking yourself, "What if?" and let that question guide you toward action.

To make this more relatable, imagine you're an aspiring writer. Right now, you might be struggling to get words on the page. Maybe you've faced rejection after rejection from publishers, and it feels like you’ll never make it. But think about J.K. Rowling. She was in a similar boat—not just struggling to write, but also dealing with personal hardships. The actual situation was tough. But she believed in the possibility of her stories reaching people. She kept writing, kept sending out manuscripts. Eventually, Harry Potter was born and became a global phenomenon.

In essence, the concept isn't just about lofty dreams—it's about persistence. It’s about not letting the here-and-now dictate your future. When you prioritize what’s possible, you’re giving yourself permission to grow, to innovate, and to strive for something greater. So, next time you’re faced with a tough situation, remember that what’s possible is always more important than what’s actual. Dream big, act on those dreams, and keep pushing forward. Your future self will thank you.
Related tags
Abstract thinking Existentialism Future Idealism Metaphysics Optimism Philosophy Possibility Potential Reality
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