Throughout the novel, through Nick's thoughts, words, and actions, Fitzgerald delivered a plethora of clever maxims conveying his adroit observations of life's general truths. I shared one those aphorisms on relationships in a previous blog and even went so far as to discuss it with everyone I encountered the day I read it. Fitzgerald's final observation, however, I cannot accept. In closing his novel, he makes an overwhelmingly pessimistic, generalization about humanity that, if true, would equate to our lives being desolate, hopeless, meaningless existences because we are inevitably doomed to failure. Fitzgerald writes, "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past," emphasizing the human tendency to "stretch out our arms further" in pursuit of an ideal, a goal, or a dream until "one fine morning" we find ourselves defeated (Fitzgerald 180). This accepted truth of Fitzgerald's angers me to no end! How can one live genuinely believing that despite any efforts he makes, success will forever elude him? Such a depressive resignation to failure is not human; hope for the future fuels our ambitions and desire to live. Living with the mindset embodied by Fitzgerald's closing words could not be considered living at all. Therefore, I offer a counter maxim, opposing thinking to challenge Fitzgerald's words. The secret to achieving success, experiencing happiness, and attaining goals lies in choosing to do so. Fitzgerald believes that success can only be found in the realization of all goals and dreams, an impossible feat, so success becomes unachievable. However, in choosing to live commensurate with one's ambitions and engaging in acts that will push one toward a goal, whether achieved or not, one CAN find success and happiness. I may have failed to explain myself correctly, so I offer this article Schopenhauer's Big Mistake to support my thoughts. The gist of my rambling is this: the journey toward success is success in itself.
Great Point!!! I completely agree
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