The quote from Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" suggests that anything which inspires admiration through the pursuit of an elusive goal is ultimately doomed to face destruction. This highlights the transient nature of admiration and the fragility of goals that seem perpetual. The message implies that the closer one gets to an ideal, the more precarious its existence becomes.

Nabokov's insight speaks to the human experience of striving for greatness or perfection, where admiration can be fleeting. As individuals chase after goals that seem just out of reach, they may find that the intense passion and focus required can lead to collapse when the desired outcome remains elusive. In this way, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with unrelenting ambition.