The analyses of a text #1

The protagonist, Philip, got the appointment as assistant house-physician at St. Luke's.
But he came to know he made pregnant his middle-aged friend's eldest daughter Sally.

Everything was so clear before him, all he had aimed at so long within reach at last, and now his inconceivable stupidity had erected this new obstacle. Philip had never been able to surmount what he acknowledged was a defect in his resolute desire for a well ordered life, and that was his passion for living in the future; and no sooner was he settled in his work at the hospital than he had busied himself with arrangements for his travels. In the past he had often tried not to think too circumstantially of his plans for the future, it was only discouraging; but now that his goal was so near he saw no harm in giving away to a longing that was so difficult to resist. First of all he meant to go to Spain.
[Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham]
1. I'd like to know if "was" implied before "within."
2. I think "that" refers to "a defect."
If so, I was wondering why "a defect" is his passion for living in the future."
Thank you in advance for your help.