The goal towards which the pleasure principle impels us -- of becoming happy -- is not attainable: yet we may not -- nay, cannot -- give up the efforts to come nearer to realization of it by some means or other.

Summary

This quote suggests that the ultimate goal of human beings, driven by the pleasure principle, is to find happiness. However, the quote contends that true happiness is unachievable, yet we are bound to continually strive for it using various methods. It implies that despite the impossibility of reaching complete fulfillment, the inherent nature of human beings urges them to persistently pursue happiness, no matter the circumstances or outcomes.

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