Briefly, this human belief in a sexual bond rests on a…
““Briefly, this human belief in a sexual bond rests on a principle of which the modern mind has made a very inadequate study. It is, perhaps, most nearly paralleled by the principle of the second wind in walking. The principle is this: that in everything worth having, even in every pleasure, there is a point of pain or tedium that must be survived, so that the pleasure may revive and endure. The joy of battle comes after the first fear of death; the joy of reading Virgil comes after the bore of learning him; the glow of the sea–bather comes after the icy shock of the sea bath; and the success of the marriage comes after the failure of the honeymoon. All””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Enduring pleasure requires overcoming an intervening period of difficulty or boredom.
In simple terms: Pain precedes lasting joy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace challenges to appreciate rewards.
Themes
perseverance
joy
growth
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- learning new skills
- marriage
- creative projects
- physical training
Key Concepts
human experience
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What “pain” have you endured that led to greater fulfillment?
- How can you differentiate productive struggle from needless suffering?
A Different Perspective
Not all pain leads to reward; some may be harmful.