But heart's desires? My dear, I see by your misery - by…
““But heart's desires? My dear, I see by your misery - by this very request you are making - that you know more of true men's and women's hearts than once you did, than your mother's world permitted you to see. Such chipped and cracked and outright broken things they are, are they not? They have their illnesses too, and their impulses. And hearts are not always connected well to minds, and even if they are, minds are not always clear and commonsensical. A heart may desire a thing powerfully indeed, but that heart's desire might be what a person least needs, for her health, for her continuing happiness.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desires can be powerful yet harmful; hearts often want what harms health and happiness.
In simple terms: Desires may hurt more than help.
Key Takeaway
Check if a desire truly benefits you.
Themes
desire
health
happiness
mind-body
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- relationships
- mental health
- self-care
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional intelligence
conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- Do your cravings serve your wellbeing?
- How can you align heart and mind?
A Different Perspective
Desires may ignore long‑term wellbeing.