To gain anything we have longed for is only to discover…
“To gain anything we have longed for is only to discover how vain and empty it is; and even though we are always living in expectation of better things, at the same time we often repent and long to have the past back again.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desire for future gains often leaves us feeling emptiness, while nostalgia for the past can cause regret.
In simple terms: Desire creates emptiness; nostalgia causes regret.
Key Takeaway
Balance desire with acceptance.
Themes
desire
regret
nostalgia
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career ambitions
- personal goals
- reflecting on past choices
Key Concepts
impermanence
satisfaction
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires cause emptiness for you?
- How can you appreciate the present?
A Different Perspective
Desire can motivate progress; not just hindrance.