The aim, if reached or not, makes great the life: Try to be Shakespeare, leave the rest to fate!

The quote by Robert Browning, "The aim, if reached or not, makes great the life: Try to be Shakespeare, leave the rest to fate!" reflects the idea that the pursuit of a lofty goal itself can define the greatness of a person's life, regardless of whether they achieve it. Browning emphasizes that it is the ambition and effort towards something meaningful, such as striving to be like Shakespeare, that brings value to life. The outcome, or whether one reaches that goal, is less important than the personal growth and fulfillment derived from the journey.

The origin of this quote comes from Browning's reflections on artistic and personal aspirations. As a poet and playwright himself, Browning understood the intense desire to reach the heights of literary achievement, symbolized here by the reference to Shakespeare, a towering figure in English literature. By encouraging others to "try to be Shakespeare," Browning suggests aiming for the highest level of excellence in one's craft, while acknowledging that fate or circumstances may ultimately determine the success of those efforts.

In this context, Browning's quote also touches on the notion of accepting fate and the uncertainty of life. While it's important to have grand aspirations, it's equally important to recognize that some factors lie beyond one's control. By saying "leave the rest to fate," Browning advocates for letting go of concerns about things that cannot be changed and focusing on the process rather than the result.

Ultimately, this quote speaks to the value of ambition, striving for greatness, and the importance of living a life driven by meaningful goals, no matter the outcome. For Browning, the act of pursuing something significant—like becoming a great writer—imbues life with purpose and worth, independent of whether or not that goal is fully attained.