Meaning: The quote "To burn always with this hard, gem-like flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life" is attributed to the English essayist, literary and art critic Walter Pater. It encapsulates the idea that true success in life lies in maintaining a passionate and ecstatic state of being, akin to a burning flame that is unyielding and precious like a gem. Pater was a proponent of the Aesthetic movement in the late 19th century, which emphasized the importance of art and beauty in life. His works often celebrated the pursuit of intense experiences and the cultivation of individual sensibility.

The quote reflects Pater's belief in the value of living life to its fullest, embracing passion, and finding ecstasy in one's pursuits. It suggests that the key to a fulfilling existence lies in maintaining a fervent and unwavering commitment to one's endeavors, akin to the unquenchable nature of a burning flame. Pater's vision of success transcends conventional notions of material wealth or status, instead focusing on the inner satisfaction and intensity of experience that defines a truly meaningful life.

Pater's ideas were deeply influential in the late Victorian and early modernist periods, inspiring a generation of writers, artists, and thinkers to reevaluate the purpose and meaning of their creative and personal lives. His emphasis on the pursuit of intense, transformative experiences resonated with those seeking to break free from the constraints of traditional societal norms and expectations. Pater's philosophy encouraged individuals to seek out moments of ecstasy and beauty, to revel in the richness of life, and to approach their endeavors with a fervor that mirrored the brilliance of a precious gem.

The metaphor of the "hard, gem-like flame" evokes the image of a flame burning brightly and unyieldingly, yet possessing a quality of rare and enduring beauty. It symbolizes the idea of harnessing one's inner fire and passion, nurturing it into a radiant and enduring force that defines one's existence. Pater's use of the term "ecstasy" further underscores the intensity and euphoria he associates with this state of being, suggesting that true success lies in the ability to sustain and revel in such profound emotional and spiritual heights.

In the context of Pater's broader body of work, this quote aligns with his celebration of the individual experience and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. His influential essay "Conclusion" in the book "The Renaissance" emphasizes the idea of living intensely and immersing oneself in the richness of life, advocating for a passionate engagement with art, literature, and the world at large. Pater's emphasis on the transformative power of aesthetic experiences and the cultivation of personal sensibility aligns with the sentiment expressed in the quote, as both convey the significance of embracing life with fervor and intensity.

Ultimately, Pater's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human quest for fulfillment and meaning. It encapsulates the idea that success in life is not merely measured by external achievements or possessions, but by the ability to kindle and sustain the inner flame of passion, to find ecstasy in the pursuit of one's aspirations, and to live with a sense of fervent purpose and intensity. It resonates with the universal yearning for a life imbued with significance, beauty, and the unyielding brilliance of a gem-like flame.