QuoteGeekFor the lines that stay with you.

Books · 1855

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?

— Robert Browning · Andrea del Sarto

A small twig ladder with a glove draped over its top stands beneath a pale crescent moon.
Original artwork
Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

Here the point is that aiming past what you can currently achieve is what gives life its purpose. If people only reached for what they could hold, there would be no need for a heaven, so falling short becomes a sign of worthwhile ambition.

Context reviewed

Share this quote