Can not Quote by Alexander Smith
“In life there is nothing more unexpected and surprising than the arrivals and departures of pleasure. If we find it in one place today, it is vain to seek it there tomorrow. You can not lay a trap for it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Unknown, possibly a personal essay
Pleasure is fleeting and cannot be trapped; it appears and disappears unpredictably.
In simple terms: Pleasure comes and goes unexpectedly.
Key Takeaway
Accept impermanence of enjoyment.
Themes
impermanence
pleasure
expectations
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily life
- relationships
- mental health
- seeking happiness
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you react when pleasure fades?
- What practices help you appreciate fleeting joy?
A Different Perspective
Pleasure may be cultivated through mindfulness, not pursuit.
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/812/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_20665.jpg)
