What is greatly desired, but long deferred, gives little…
“What is greatly desired, but long deferred, gives little pleasure, when at length it is ours, for we have lived with it in imagination until we have grown weary of it, having ourselves, in the meanwhile, become other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desiring something for a long time can become a source of disappointment when finally attained, because imagination has already exhausted its appeal.
In simple terms: Long‑awaited desires lose their charm after fulfillment.
Key Takeaway
Savor the present, not just the imagined future.
Themes
desire
disappointment
imagination
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- career goals
- relationships
- material possessions
- personal aspirations
Key Concepts
psychology
expectation
hedonic adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you often idealize outcomes before they happen?
- How can you stay present while pursuing goals?
A Different Perspective
Even when achieved, the reality may not match the fantasy, leading to emptiness.