Pursuits

Pursuits refer to activities or endeavors that individuals or groups actively follow to achieve goals, satisfy interests, or advance a vocation. The term covers both long-term objectives and more casual hobbies, and is commonly used in the plural to reflect the array of activities a person may undertake. Examples include pursuing education, a career, artistic work, sports, or community involvement.

The word derives from Old French poursuite, from Latin prosequi, meaning to follow through or accompany.

In law enforcement, a pursuit denotes a high-speed chase of a suspect. Pursuit policies regulate when officers may engage in or terminate a chase, emphasizing safety, and the use of communications. They typically require supervisor authorization, consideration of risk to bystanders, officers, and the suspect, and justification based on pursuit thresholds and alternative apprehension methods. The aim is to balance public safety with the need to apprehend offenders.

In culture and philosophy, pursuing goals is discussed in the context of personal development and rights. The phrase the pursuit of happiness appears in the United States Declaration of Independence as an intrinsic right that reflects individual liberty and the opportunity to seek well-being.

In business and research, organizations describe multiple initiatives as pursuits, framing them as strategic aims or opportunities. A portfolio of concurrent pursuits helps allocate resources, manage risk, and align activities with overarching goals.