Benjamin E. Mays: 'Not failure, but low aim is sin.'

Not failure, but low aim is sin.

In his thought-provoking quote, Benjamin E. Mays makes a powerful statement about the nature of failure and aim in one's life. He argues that it is not failure itself that should be seen as a negative, but rather the act of setting low aims or having a lack of ambition. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of setting challenging goals and aiming high in all aspects of life. By aiming low, one limits their potential and limits the possibilities for growth and success. Failure on the other hand, is a natural part of the journey towards achieving one's goals and should be embraced as a learning opportunity rather than something to be feared.To delve deeper into the implications of this quote, let's introduce the philosophical concept of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual choice and responsibility in creating meaning in life. Existentialists believe that we are all responsible for creating our own values and determining our own paths in life. When we apply this concept to Mays' quote, we can see a clear connection. The idea that low aim is considered a "sin" aligns with the existentialist notion that individuals bear the responsibility of shaping their own destinies through their actions and choices.In comparing the two concepts, we find that Mays' quote and existentialism share a common thread of emphasizing personal responsibility and agency in shaping one's life. Both stress the importance of taking ownership of one's actions and striving towards meaningful goals. However, while Mays' quote focuses more on the external measure of success and failure in relation to one's aims, existentialism delves deeper into the internal struggle of finding meaning and purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe.In conclusion, Mays' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the power of setting high aims and working towards ambitious goals in life. By juxtaposing this idea with the philosophical concept of existentialism, we gain a deeper understanding of the connection between personal responsibility and the pursuit of meaning in our lives. Ultimately, it is through setting high aims and embracing failure as a stepping stone towards growth that we can truly transcend the limitations that come with aiming low.