Desire Quote by Bernadette Roberts
“I went on to discover that in its deepest sense, the will is not primarily the faculty of desire for anything known, but rather, the desire for something unknown, animate desire for something that lies beyond ourselves, a longing for something we know is missing in us...”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cloud of Unknowing, 1975
The will is driven more by a yearning for the unknown than by a desire for familiar things, reflecting a deep inner longing for what we sense is missing.
In simple terms: We seek what we don’t yet know, not just what we already want.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity and pursue the unknown.
Themes
spirituality
longing
self‑discovery
Mood
reflective
hopeful
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- creative work
- spiritual practice
- career change
- relationship development
Key Concepts
existential desire
inner void
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknown are you avoiding?
- How can you turn fear of the unknown into motivation?
A Different Perspective
The unknown can be frightening, leading to paralysis or avoidance.