Should we have these goals? Yes, because it's important to shoot high and be optimistic... but is it
worth it to have unattainable goals? You first have to define what qualifies "worth" in terms of the question.
If we're taking a strict look at it, we could qualify "worth" as pain endured possessing such a fantasy, to pleasure gained from chasing the unattainable dream.
If you "might not be able to reach it," then there is a chance that you could spend your life in pursuit of this goal, and it could eventually lead to ruin; however, this goal may also be understandably far fetched.
For my example, I will break away from being intellectual (read: bull-shitty), and we're gonna talk about
SEX.
If it is a goal of mine to find a girlfriend of Jessica Alba-esque beauty and Ivy-League intelligence, then I have set an understandably high bar for myself. And while my expectations are irrationally high - seeing as I'm neither stunningly attractive nor a genius - this "goal" may also be a fantasy. If I spend my time in pursuit of this, and if I allow myself to be disappointed in any woman who is "less" than the one described above, then I am most likely destined for a lifetime of loneliness. But, if I realize the improbability of such a mate, and rather allow myself to open up to love from anyone, regardless of their looks and intelligence, I could very well find the love of my life... even if that "perfect" girl is still a "goal" of mine.
For this second example, I will relate the question to
MONEY.
If it is a "goal" of mine to accumulate enough money to retire at 50, with enough money to travel, support my grandkids, and buy some luxuries... and I hold myself to the pursuit of this "goal," then I will more than likely make enough money to support myself at least, and have a fairly comfortable retirement.
Now, if I can be happy that way, then although the goal was not achieved, it was certainly "worth" it.
And now, the most simple example yet... this one relating to
OUTER SPACE.
"Shoot for the Moon, because even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!"
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I hope that helps.
-djphetal
edit:
Everyone who took the SAT the year I did had the same question... at least to the furthest extent of my knowledge.
Last edited by djphetal (2008-02-29 21:49:51)