The quote suggests that individuals who have achieved their desires or goals often downplay the significance of what they possess or have accomplished when speaking to those who are still pursuing similar aspirations. These successful people may argue that their achievements were not as desirable or significant as others might believe, potentially to diminish the perceived gap between themselves and those who haven't yet attained such success.
At a deeper level, this statement reflects on human psychology and social dynamics. It hints at a tendency for individuals to belittle their own accomplishments once they have them in hand, possibly to cope with feelings of guilt or to manage expectations from others. This behavior can serve as a defense mechanism, allowing people to maintain a sense of humility while also subtly discouraging others from striving too hard for similar goals. Such attitudes may stem from a fear of failure among those who haven't achieved success, suggesting that by diminishing the importance of certain achievements, individuals can reduce their own anxiety about not having reached those same milestones.
Ogden Nash was an American poet and humorist known for his witty and often whimsical take on everyday life. His work frequently explored themes of human nature, relationships, and societal norms through a lens of clever wordplay and satire. Born in 1902, Nash’s poems and essays were widely published during the mid-20th century, earning him recognition as one of America's most distinctive voices in literature.
