--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ... but life would be very miserable…" description: "\"“... but life would be very miserable indeed were I to spend it in terror of the thing that has not yet happened.”\" — Edgar Rice Burroughs" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f43/edgar-rice-burroughs-2892_fear_but-life-would-be-very-miserable-indeed_916178.png" --- # ... but life would be very miserable indeed were I to… ![“... but life would be very miserable indeed were I to spend it in terror of the thing that has not yet happened.” quote by Edgar Rice Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f43/edgar-rice-burroughs-2892_fear_but-life-would-be-very-miserable-indeed_916178.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f43/edgar-rice-burroughs-2892_fear_but-life-would-be-very-miserable-indeed_916178.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f43/edgar-rice-burroughs-2892_fear_but-life-would-be-very-miserable-indeed_916178.png) > ““... but life would be very miserable indeed were I to spend it in terror of the thing that has not yet happened.”” [Edgar Rice Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-rice-burroughs/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fear of unknown future events can dominate life, leading to misery if we let terror control us. **In simple terms:** Worrying about future unknowns causes misery. Key Takeaway Focus on present, not imagined fears. Themes anxiety future mindset Mood reflective cautious Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal growth - mental health - decision making Key Concepts existential dread anticipation Questions to Reflect On - What future worries are you amplifying? - How can you anchor yourself in the present? 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