Not actually a response to your post, but just after reading it, by happy coincidence I encountered this quotation on the theme from Jack Vance’s novel “Lyonesse: Madouc”:
Travante- “.....I excel in nothing. I am neither a philosopher, nor a geometer, nor yet a poet. Never have I destroyed a horde of savage enemies, nor built a noble monument, nor ventured to the far places of the world. I lack all grandeur.”
“You are not alone,” said Madouc. “Few can claim such achievements.”
“That means naught to me! I am I; I answer to myself, with no heed for others. I am persuaded that a life-span should not be futile and empty! For this reason I seek my lost youth, and with such special zeal.”
“And if you were to find it, what would you do?”
“I would alter everything! I would become a person of enterprise: I would consider wasted the day that did not include the contriving of some wonderful plan, or the building of a fine object, or the righting of a wrong! So would pass each day, in marvelous deeds. Then each night I would gather my friends for an occasion which would be remembered forever! That is how life should be lived, to the best effort of one’s powers! Now that I know the truth, the time is too late – unless I find what I seek.”
Madouc turned to Sir Pom-Pom. “have you been paying heed? These are lessons which you should take to heart, if only so that someday you may avoid Tavante’s regrets.”
“It is a sound philosophy,” said Sir Pom-Pom. “I have occasionally thought along similar lines. However, while toiling at the royal stables I could not put such theories into effect......”
Not actually a response to your post, but just after reading it, by happy coincidence I encountered this quotation on the theme from Jack Vance’s novel “Lyonesse: Madouc”:
Really interesting quote, thanks for sharing it!