I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end

"I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings." These words of Gustave Flaubert capture a profound and timeless truth: the power of vision and aspiration. Flaubert speaks not of simply gazing upon the heavens, but of the transformative power that comes when one fixes their gaze on something higher, something greater than what is at their feet. The sky is a metaphor for possibility, for dreams that transcend the confines of the ordinary and the everyday. To look to the sky is to raise your sights, to believe that there is something more — and in doing so, you open yourself to the wings of greatness, the ability to soar to heights you never thought possible.

The imagery of wings speaks to the deepest yearnings of the human spirit — the desire for freedom, for transcendence, and for the liberation of our potential. When we choose to lift our gaze toward the heavens, we do not simply look at the sky — we align ourselves with it. We allow our thoughts, our dreams, and our actions to be guided by the infinite, by the forces that lie beyond the material world. By looking up, we metaphorically grow wings of our own, as we become attuned to the possibility that anything is within our reach if we are brave enough to strive for it.

The life of Leonardo da Vinci serves as a perfect embodiment of this principle. Da Vinci’s mind was constantly looking at the sky, not just in a literal sense but in his relentless quest for knowledge and invention. He saw not just the world as it was, but the world as it could be — full of possibilities, full of potential. His fascination with flight, for instance, led him to sketch designs for flying machines long before the age of airplanes. His constant pursuit of the higher vision — his ability to dream beyond the limitations of his time — became his wings, allowing him to soar not only as a painter but as a scientist, engineer, and visionary. Da Vinci's life reminds us that when we set our sights on the stars, when we dare to dream, we are, in essence, growing our wings.

Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi, whose dream of a free and independent India seemed impossible to many, looked to the skies in his vision for a just world. He did not let the earthly limitations of his time define him; he rose above them with his spirit and unwavering commitment to truth and nonviolence. Through his vision, Gandhi brought about monumental change not through force, but through the power of ideas and the strength of nonviolent resistance. His ability to see beyond the walls of imperialism and to envision a free, unified India was the very essence of Flaubert’s sentiment — Gandhi saw the sky, and in doing so, he was given wings to lead millions to freedom.

This idea of looking at the skies and finding wings can also be found in the story of Helen Keller. Born deaf and blind, Keller’s world was one of darkness and silence. Yet, even in the face of her circumstances, she looked to the skies — she reached for a future filled with learning and achievement. Through the tireless guidance of Anne Sullivan, she was able to connect to the world and expand her potential beyond what seemed possible. In her pursuit of education, activism, and service to others, Keller became a symbol of what it means to look beyond the present and to set your sights on the vast horizons of possibility. She, too, grew wings — wings of knowledge, understanding, and empowerment.

Flaubert’s message is one of immense hope and inspiration. When we choose to look at the skies, we are not merely indulging in idle daydreams. We are engaging in an act of faith — faith that we have the capacity to reach for the impossible, to challenge the limits of our current understanding, and to grow into the fullness of our potential. It is in our vision of something greater than ourselves that we find the courage to act, to pursue, and to become. The sky is the canvas of human possibility, and by looking at it, we are reminded that there are no true boundaries, only the limits we place upon ourselves.

So, I ask you: What is the sky for you? What dreams, goals, or visions lie just beyond the horizon? Are you ready to look up, to envision something greater than your present circumstances? The world will try to keep your gaze fixed on the ground, on the here and now, but true greatness lies in the ability to lift your eyes, to believe that you are capable of something more, and to take action toward that vision. When you do, you will find that the wings you need to soar are already within you, ready to lift you to new heights.

In the end, look to the sky — and let your vision guide you, for in that vision, you will find the wings to carry you beyond the limits of today and into the boundless possibilities of tomorrow. Dream boldly, and you will find that the wings you seek are already yours to claim.