Meaning: The quote "Like all writers, he measured the achievements of others by what they had accomplished, asking of them that they measure him by what he envisaged or planned" by Jorge Luis Borges, a renowned Argentine poet and writer, encapsulates the essence of artistic ambition and the subjective nature of evaluating creative work. In this quote, Borges reflects on the tendency of writers to judge others based on their tangible accomplishments while desiring to be evaluated based on their visions and aspirations.

Borges, known for his profound and imaginative literary works, often delved into themes of perception, reality, and the creative process. This quote can be interpreted as an expression of the paradoxical nature of artistic judgment. Writers, being deeply immersed in the world of words and ideas, are often driven to measure the achievements of their peers based on the actual output, the completed works that stand as tangible evidence of their creative endeavors. This inclination to assess others by their concrete accomplishments is a natural consequence of the artistic landscape where visibility and recognition are often tied to the body of work produced.

However, Borges also highlights the disparity between how writers evaluate others and how they wish to be evaluated themselves. He suggests that writers aspire to be judged not merely by what they have already achieved, but rather by the grandeur of their visions and the potential of their plans. This sentiment speaks to the inherent yearning for validation based on the depth of one's creative imagination and the uncharted territories of their artistic aspirations. Writers often feel that their true essence lies in the unmaterialized, the yet-to-be-realized potential that exists in the realm of ideas and plans.

This quote also alludes to the subjective nature of artistic evaluation. Borges implies that there is a fundamental disconnect between the external perception of a writer's accomplishments and the internal, subjective understanding of their own creative worth. The criteria by which writers measure the achievements of others may not align with the expectations they hold for themselves. This dissonance underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of artistic validation, which is often influenced by personal inclinations, biases, and individual perspectives.

Furthermore, the quote sheds light on the dichotomy between the empirical and the conceptual aspects of creative pursuits. The achievements of others are often quantifiable and observable, existing in the realm of concrete outcomes, while one's own visions and plans are intangible, residing in the domain of ideas and aspirations. Borges' words serve as a reminder that creative worth cannot be solely determined by the visible fruits of labor but should encompass the depth and breadth of creative vision and potential.

In conclusion, Jorge Luis Borges' quote encapsulates the complexity of artistic evaluation and the dichotomy between tangible accomplishments and aspirational visions in the realm of creative endeavors. It offers insight into the subjective nature of artistic judgment and the inherent tension between external validation and internal aspirations. Borges' reflection resonates with writers and creatives, reminding them of the multifaceted nature of creative worth and the perennial pursuit of recognition for the unmaterialized potential that exists within the realm of artistic imagination.