Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4: Knowledge and the Renouncing of Action

Bhagavad Gita 4.12

kāṅkṣantaḥ karmaṇāṃ siddhiṃ yajanta iha devatāḥ | kṣipraṃ hi mānuṣe loke siddhirbhavati karmajā ||

Those who want success in their actions worship the gods here, for in this human world success that comes from action comes quickly.

Modern context

Krishna observes without scorn that most people seek results, and results do come quickly in the human world. Effort aimed at a definite goal, such as an examination, a promotion or a harvest, usually pays, and pays soon. That speed is exactly why the deeper search is so often postponed. The verse asks for honesty about what we are pursuing. Seeking success is not wrong, but it is not the same as seeking freedom.