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He despises what he sought; and he seeks that which he…

“He despises what he sought; and he seeks that which he lately threw away. [Lat., Quod petit spernit, repetit quod nuper omisit.]” quote by Horace
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“He despises what he sought; and he seeks that which he lately threw away. [Lat., Quod petit spernit, repetit quod nuper omisit.]”

Horace

About This Quote

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

He hates what he once wanted and now pursues what he discarded.

In simple terms: Desire flips after losing something.

Key Takeaway

Beware of chasing what you once rejected.

Themes

desire contradiction human nature

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • career choices
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we often desire what we reject?
  • Can we reconcile past desires with present goals?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex motivations.

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