One aims only as far as one can see. We live behind a towering wall of stone, to protect us from the outside. If a generous soul from the outside should one day kindly smash a hole in our wall, and then himself show us the way by dancing beyond the distant horizon, then our sights will be raised quite automatically. People can only achieve what they believe to be achievable; so I tell you, make yourself a pattern to the flock!
The situation is like that of fleas, who, when you remove the lid of their jar will jump only as high as the lid used to be. They restrict themselves to a perceived limit, until after a time they realize the restriction has been lifted, and jump to freedom.