--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Deluded or not, it's still a lucky way to…" description: "\"“Deluded or not, it's still a lucky way to live. Even though it's temporary. It may well be that the lower-ranked little kids at E.T.A. are proportiona..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dca/david-foster-wallace-161_children_deluded-or-not-it-s-still-a-lucky-way-to_2603860.jpg" --- # Deluded or not, it's still a lucky way to live. Even… ![“Deluded or not, it's still a lucky way to live. Even though it's temporary. It may well be that the lower-ranked little kids at E.T.A. are proportionally happier than the higher-ranked kids, since we (who are mostly not small children) know it's more invigorating to want than to have, it seems…” quote by David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dca/david-foster-wallace-161_children_deluded-or-not-it-s-still-a-lucky-way-to_2603860.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dca/david-foster-wallace-161_children_deluded-or-not-it-s-still-a-lucky-way-to_2603860.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dca/david-foster-wallace-161_children_deluded-or-not-it-s-still-a-lucky-way-to_2603860.jpg) > ““Deluded or not, it's still a lucky way to live. Even though it's temporary. It may well be that the lower-ranked little kids at E.T.A. are proportionally happier than the higher-ranked kids, since we (who are mostly not small children) know it's more invigorating to want than to have, it seems. Though maybe this is just the inverse of the same delusion.”” [David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-foster-wallace/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Happiness may arise from desire rather than possession, especially among those lower in hierarchy, suggesting longing can be more invigorating than having. **In simple terms:** Wanting can feel more alive than having. Key Takeaway Embrace desire as a source of vitality. Themes happiness desire hierarchy psychology Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - adolescence - education - social status - personal growth Key Concepts existentialism comparative happiness Questions to Reflect On - Do you find more joy in wanting or having? - How does social rank affect perceived happiness? 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