A snack.
There is a natural terminus to offices, causes, arguments, careers – even to certain phases of a life. One of the great arts of life lies not merely in knowing what to pursue, but in recognising what to relinquish, and when.
The appropriate moment often arrives before the desire to continue has disappeared. That is why judgement matters. When exhaustion or defeat makes the decision for you, no wisdom is involved. The harder recognition is of completion while one still possesses the power or the appetite to go on.
Ego is the chief impediment. Success whispers there must be another, power wants another exercise of power, the memory of applause delays the silence that should follow. Politicians linger on for one election too many, musicians seek the encore that adds nothing. What began as purpose thins into self-perpetuation.
Ego always asks for another shot.