You are never given a wish without also being given the power to
You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.
Hearken, O children of aspiration, to the words of Richard Bach, who reveals the sacred covenant between desire and ability: that no wish is bestowed without the accompanying power to bring it to fruition. Yet he reminds us with honesty that this power is not always immediate; it demands labor, perseverance, and steadfast courage. Herein lies a teaching for the ages: the seed of longing carries within it the potential for manifestation, but its growth requires toil, patience, and unwavering dedication.
The origin of this reflection is rooted in Bach’s life as a writer, philosopher, and seeker of the higher truths of human potential. In his writings, he often explored the interplay of spirit, desire, and action, observing that the human soul is endowed with the faculties necessary to realize its dreams. The universe grants the wish, but the mortal must engage the gifts of will, skill, and diligence to see it actualized.
The meaning of this aphorism is profound: desire alone is insufficient, yet it is never empty. Each longing, each dream, carries the hidden power of realization. To recognize this is to honor both the gift and the responsibility: the gift of possibility, and the responsibility to act. One must toil, plan, and persist, for the path from wish to fulfillment is paved with effort and resilience.
History provides luminous illustration. Consider Thomas Edison, whose wish to harness electric light was matched by extraordinary perseverance. Though failure met him countless times, he drew upon his inherent power—ingenuity, determination, and patience—to achieve what many deemed impossible. His life embodies Bach’s truth: the universe grants the seed of the wish, but the fulfillment rests in the cultivation of its latent power.
Moreover, this teaching extends beyond inventors to all who pursue meaning, art, or service. The poet who dreams of verse, the healer who seeks to cure, the statesman who envisions justice—all possess the power to realize their aspirations, yet each must labor with discipline, courage, and resolve. Bach’s counsel reminds us that dreams are not passive gifts, but calls to action, summoning the soul to awaken its latent strength.
O generations yet unborn, take this counsel into your hearts: recognize that every wish carries the seed of realization, and honor the power within you to bring it to life. Work with devotion, persevere with courage, and let your efforts transform desire into reality. For in the union of longing and labor lies the eternal truth: the soul is endowed with both the dream and the strength to see it fulfilled.
NNNoc Noc
This statement prompts me to consider the role of patience and persistence in achieving one’s desires. Even if the power exists, the need to work for it underscores the importance of strategy, resilience, and discipline. I also wonder how this philosophy applies to collective goals or systemic change—can a group manifest a wish in the same way an individual can? It challenges me to think about the balance between internal capability and the practical steps required to realize dreams.
HKHung Kim
I find this perspective intriguing because it frames potential as inherent rather than granted externally. Does this mean that all goals are attainable if approached with dedication, or are there limits imposed by context, resources, or luck? It also makes me think about personal responsibility—how much do we rely on innate power versus external support systems? This quote encourages reflection on how to identify and harness the abilities necessary to achieve meaningful aspirations.
PNThao Anh Phan Nguyen
Reading this, I feel both inspired and challenged. It suggests a sense of empowerment, yet acknowledges the necessity of work. How do we balance optimism with realism in pursuing dreams? Could believing that we inherently possess the power to fulfill wishes lead to overconfidence, or does it serve as motivation to discover latent skills? I also wonder if this idea implies that failure is a reflection of insufficient effort rather than circumstances beyond our control.
TNDo Tuyet Nhung
This quote makes me reflect on the relationship between desire and capability. If every wish comes with the power to achieve it, does that mean limitations are mostly internal rather than external? It also raises questions about effort and perseverance—how do we recognize the steps needed to manifest a wish? I’m curious whether this philosophy encourages proactive action or risks underestimating real-world obstacles and external constraints.