We never know, believe me, when we have succeeded best

We never know, believe me, when we have succeeded best

Miguel de Unamuno, a Spanish philosopher and writer, is known for his existentialist views on life, death, and the human experience. One of his most famous quotes is, “We never know, believe me, when we have succeeded best.” This statement encapsulates Unamuno’s belief that true success is often elusive and difficult to define.

Unamuno believed that success was not measured by external achievements or material possessions, but by the fulfillment of one’s innermost desires and aspirations. He argued that true success could only be achieved through self-discovery and self-realization. In his view, success was a deeply personal and subjective experience that could not be easily quantified or measured.

Unamuno’s philosophy of success is closely tied to his ideas about the nature of human existence. He believed that life was inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and that success was often a matter of luck and chance. According to Unamuno, we can never truly know when we have succeeded best because success is not a fixed or static state, but a continuous process of growth and self-improvement.

Unamuno’s views on success are also reflected in his writings on the human condition. He believed that life was a constant struggle between our desires and aspirations, and the limitations and constraints of our existence. In his novel “Niebla” (Mist), Unamuno explores the theme of success through the character of Augusto Pérez, a man who grapples with the meaning of his own life and the nature of success.

Ultimately, Unamuno’s philosophy of success challenges us to rethink our conventional notions of achievement and fulfillment. He reminds us that true success is not about reaching a specific goal or milestone, but about embracing the journey of self-discovery and self-realization. In the end, we may never know when we have succeeded best, but the pursuit of success is what truly matters.