With the catching ends the pleasure of the chase.

On By Gregory HakeIn Observations on Life
Aero Club Como, Lago di Como, Italia

I had the wonderful privilege of earning my seaplane rating at the Aero Club Como in Lake Como, Italy. If you haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know the region, I can assure you that on first sight you will ask yourself as Longfellow did in his lovely poem Cadenabbia: “Is this a dream? Will it all vanish into air? Is there a land of such supreme and perfect beauty anywhere?”

View of the lake from Lecco, Image by Wikipedia

Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. A popular holiday destination since Roman times, Lake Como has cast its spell on local residents and visitors for millennia. Its rich history is hard to resist. Between flight lessons I found myself drawn to the Epistles of the author and Roman magistrate, Pliny the Younger, one of the area’s better known guests in the first and second century of the common era.

In his letters he made an observation that got me thinking: “An object in possession seldom retains the same charms it had when it was longed for.” [Nihil enim aeque gratum est adeptis, quam concupiscentibus.] Have you ever had such an experience? Abraham Lincoln said it a bit more succinctly: “With the catching ends the pleasure of the chase.” This theme is obviously a persistent one, but is it necessarily true?

When getting is the result of wanting, accomplishment and procurement rarely end in fulfillment. Even diligence can end in the hollow mockery of an empty shell – the gold watch at the end of a life-long career – leading even the most optimistic to wonder, is there another way?

Faced with the prospect of accomplishing one of my childhood dreams – landing an airplane on water – I scrambled to resolve the Gordian knot that lay at my fingertips. Rather than pulling at one end (determination) or the other (resignation) of the knot, I set out to identify the bold stroke required to free me from the ennui that was certain to follow.

My check ride went flawlessly, though I must admit that the greater challenge was not losing myself in contemplation of the “supreme and perfect beauty” that beckons from every corner of seductive Lake Como. I realized as the floats of my 172 gently kissed the glassy waters that the key to fulfillment lies neither in the doing or in the achieving. It is found instead in an uncommon approach to living.

What is that approach? It is perhaps best described by the following phrase: “Your fulfillment depends on your ability to assist others to their fulfillment.” If everything you do springs from this fundamental concern, your accomplishments will be filled with the fulfillment that springs from within you. Fulfillment springs from an inexhaustible well within you.

If you spend your life trying to extract fulfillment from the world around you – from your friends, your work, your possessions and your achievements – you will likely be disappointed at the end of the day. If, however, you recognize that fulfillment comes from within and can emerge naturally in relation to any and in fact every phase of everything you undertake, life will begin to take on a whole new meaning for you.

With my instructor and the inspector just after the checkride

19 thoughts on “With the catching ends the pleasure of the chase.”

  1. Kimberly's avatar Kimberly

    Love your thoughts today. Its nice to see you fulfilled a childhood dream. It looks like it took a lot of work and planning to realize it, more than wishing for a pony!
    In my observation people that actualize their dreams are willing to go the distance and do the work, it’s not just wanting something and hoping it comes true.
    The instructor and inspector look to be enjoying themselves as well. Interesting post, thanks.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Mitch's avatar Mitch

    Just catching up on your posts after the weekend – congratulations on being selected for Freshly Pressed! I enjoyed the flood of comments from everyone.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Soderbloom123's avatar Soderbloom123

    “When getting is the result of wanting, accomplishment and procurement rarely end in fulfillment.” Many may live with a very low ceiling for what they think is fulfillment, but what you are saying here opens a much different experience. Words to definitely live by. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

    Like

    Reply
  9. Colin's avatar Colin

    In my life so far, I have had the personal experience of today’s message. The joy of life does spring from helping others. A very simple example comes to mind. I remember a day when, at the beginning, I had in mind that it would be a “me” day, where I could relax and replenish. At the end of the day, I think I felt more tired than when I started. While sometimes there are important times to relax, it’s best to not force it and just let those times appear naturally. I think it will lead to a much more fulfilling life, at least in my experience!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Sometimes the best “me “days come when you do nothing but help others. What goes around comes around, but you must take care not to set expectations on your giving or you will fall into the same trap I mentioned in the blog.

      Like

      Reply
  10. Joshua's avatar Joshua

    Your words this morning are particularly meaningful, as I begin my 33rd year here on earth. Long has my heart yearned for the experience you mention, being able to perceive how this could and would be is an excellent new beginning. I am deeply thankful for what you have brought so consistently, and I’m sure your experience is most certainly one of “True Fulfillment” as knowing you, and what you represent has most certainly provided an experience of being drawn to “True Fulfillment” myself.
    My meditations, have most certainly shifted from “I” to “They”, Thanks Gregg……Great to see you!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment