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Desire Quote by Benjamin Franklin

“It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow.” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow.”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

Source Essay: Poor Richard's Almanack, 1745

Suppressing an initial impulse is easier than managing the cascade of later cravings, highlighting the difficulty of self‑control over time.

In simple terms: First desire is easy to stop; later ones harder.

Key Takeaway

Focus on long‑term discipline.

Themes

self‑control desire habit formation

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • budgeting
  • dieting
  • addiction recovery
  • project planning

Key Concepts

psychology willpower temptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle cravings that appear after the first?
  • What strategies keep you from giving in to subsequent urges?
A Different Perspective

Later desires may be stronger than the first, making suppression harder.

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