Wanting Quote by Cassandra Clare
““When he saw her, he wanted to be with her; when he was with her, he ached to touch her; when he touched even her hand, he wanted to embrace her. He wanted to feel her against him the way he had in the attic. He wanted to know the taste of her skin and the smell of her hair. He wanted to make her laugh. He wanted to sit and listen to her talk about books until his ears fell off. But all these were things he could not want, because they were things he could not have, and wanting what you could not have led to misery and madness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Clockwork Prince, The Mortal Instruments series, 2010
The passage describes an obsessive longing for an unattainable lover, leading to despair and madness.
In simple terms: Unattainable desire causes suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage impossible desires.
Themes
desire
unattainability
madness
love
obsession
Mood
melancholic
intense
reflective
Type
literary
emotional
cautionary
When to use this quote
- unrequited love
- obsessive relationships
- creative writing
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
attachment
unrequited love
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- What unattainable desire fuels your frustration?
- How can you redirect longing into healthy pursuits?
A Different Perspective
Desire can become self‑destructive if not tempered.
