Philosophy Quote by David Hume
![“At present they [philosophers] seem to be in a very lamentable condition, and such as the poets have given us but a faint notion of in their descriptions of the punishment of Sisyphus and Tantalus. For what can be imagin'd more tormenting, than to seek with eagerness, what for ever flies us; and…” quote by David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/629/david-hume-538_philosophy_at-present-they-philosophers-seem-to-be_1811117.jpg)
““At present they [philosophers] seem to be in a very lamentable condition, and such as the poets have given us but a faint notion of in their descriptions of the punishment of Sisyphus and Tantalus. For what can be imagin'd more tormenting, than to seek with eagerness, what for ever flies us; and seek for it in a place, where 'tis impossible it can ever exist?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Human desire for the unattainable leads to endless frustration.
In simple terms: Chasing impossible goals causes suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits and adjust expectations.
Themes
desire
frustration
impossibility
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
somber
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career goals
- relationships
- spiritual quests
Key Concepts
human nature
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What goals might be unrealistic for you?
- How can you redirect effort productively?
A Different Perspective
Unrealistic pursuits can waste resources.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
