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The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm…

“The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm not sure who the first person was who said that. Probably Shakespeare. Or maybe Sting. But at the moment, it's the sentence that best explains my tragic flaw, my inability to change. I don't think I'm alone in this. The more I get to know…” quote by Laura J. Burns
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““The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm not sure who the first person was who said that. Probably Shakespeare. Or maybe Sting. But at the moment, it's the sentence that best explains my tragic flaw, my inability to change. I don't think I'm alone in this. The more I get to know other people, the more I realize it's kind of everyone's flaw. Staying exactly the same for as long as possible, standing perfectly still... It feels safer somehow. And if you are suffering, at least the pain is familiar. Because if you took that leap of faith, went outside the box, did something unexpected... Who knows what other pain might be out there, waiting for you. Chances are it could be even worse. So you maintain the status quo. Choose the road already traveled and it doesn't seem that bad. Not as far as flaws go. You're not a drug addict. You're not killing anyone... Except maybe yourself a little. When we finally do change, I don't think it happens like an earthquake or an explosion, where all of a sudden we're like this different person. I think it's smaller than that. The kind of thing most people wouldn't even notice unless they looked at us really close. Which, thank God, they never do. But you notice it. Inside you that change feels like a world of difference. And you hope this is it. This is the person you get to be forever... that you'll never have to change again.””

Laura J. Burns

About This Quote

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

People often resist change, preferring familiar pain and stability; change is gradual and subtle, not dramatic, and can feel both hopeful and frightening.

In simple terms: Change is slow, subtle, and often avoided.

Key Takeaway

Embrace small, steady change rather than fearing the unknown.

Themes

change comfort zone fear growth stability pain

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

philosophical self‑help

When to use this quote

  • career transitions
  • personal therapy
  • habit breaking
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

behavioral psychology habit formation existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small change can you start today?
  • How does familiarity affect your choices?
A Different Perspective

Change can be uncomfortable and may cause temporary distress.

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