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Yet, every now and then, there would pass a young girl…

“Yet, every now and then, there would pass a young girl, slender, fair and desirable, arousing in young men a not ignoble desire to possess her, and stirring in old men regrets for ecstasy not seized and now forever past.” quote by Anatole France
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“Yet, every now and then, there would pass a young girl, slender, fair and desirable, arousing in young men a not ignoble desire to possess her, and stirring in old men regrets for ecstasy not seized and now forever past.”

Anatole France

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A beautiful young woman incites desire in men, causing regret in older men for missed chances.

In simple terms: Beauty sparks desire and regret.

Key Takeaway

Recognize fleeting beauty and its effects.

Themes

desire beauty regret

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • romantic pursuits
  • social dynamics
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

youthful allure missed opportunities

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does desire shape choices?
  • Can regret be avoided?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing beauty can cause discontent.

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