--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Expectations are the most perilous form…" description: "\"Expectations are the most perilous form of dream, and when dreams do realise themselves it is in the waking world: the difference is subtly but often p..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7f/elizabeth-bowen-1197_differences_expectations-are-the-most-perilous-form_1373547.png" --- # Expectations are the most perilous form of dream, and when… ![“Expectations are the most perilous form of dream, and when dreams do realise themselves it is in the waking world: the difference is subtly but often painfully felt.” quote by Elizabeth Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7f/elizabeth-bowen-1197_differences_expectations-are-the-most-perilous-form_1373547.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7f/elizabeth-bowen-1197_differences_expectations-are-the-most-perilous-form_1373547.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7f/elizabeth-bowen-1197_differences_expectations-are-the-most-perilous-form_1373547.png) > “Expectations are the most perilous form of dream, and when dreams do realise themselves it is in the waking world: the difference is subtly but often painfully felt.” [Elizabeth Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-bowen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Dreams become dangerous when expectations turn them into rigid goals, causing pain when reality differs. **In simple terms:** Expectations can hurt dreams. Key Takeaway Balance hope with realism. Themes expectations dreams reality Mood melancholic thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - career planning - relationship goals - personal aspirations Key Concepts psychology of desire disappointment Questions to Reflect On - What expectations have disappointed you? - How can you stay open to change? A Different Perspective Over‑planning can limit flexibility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Differences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/differences/) [Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Expectations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expectations/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“For people who live on expectations, to face up to their realisation is something of an ordeal. 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It tells us it is wrong to hate ourselves because of our imperfections.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sri-chinmoy/silence-tells-the-seeker-in-us-to-love-to-love-himself-it-tells-us-it/) [Sri Chinmoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sri-chinmoy/) > [One of the things I love about Africa is the amount of dignity and respect and humility you see all the time. You don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-scott/one-of-the-things-i-love-about-africa-is-the-amount-of-dignity-and/) [Jill Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-scott/) > [What a thrill. You know you've entered new territory when you realise that your outfit cost more than your film.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-yu/what-a-thrill-you-know-you-ve-entered-new-territory-when-you-realise/) Jessica Yu > [An enlightened awareness is within each one of us, right at this moment. This enlightened awareness is truly unborn and marvellously illuminating; and everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bankei-yotaku/an-enlightened-awareness-is-within-each-one-of-us-right-at-this/) [Bankei Yotaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bankei-yotaku/) ## More by Elizabeth Bowen > [Temperamentally, the writer exists on happenings, on contacts, conflicts, action and reaction, speed, pressure, tension. Were he acontemplative purely, he would not write.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-bowen/temperamentally-the-writer-exists-on-happenings-on-contacts-conflicts/) [Elizabeth Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-bowen/) > [“Are you really an orphan? Yes, I am, said Portia a shade shortly. Are you? No, not at present, but I suppose it's a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-bowen/are-you-really-an-orphan-yes-i-am-said-portia-a-shade-shortly-are-you/) [Elizabeth Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-bowen/) > [It is not our exalted feelings, it is our sentiments that build the necessary home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-bowen/it-is-not-our-exalted-feelings-it-is-our-sentiments-that-build-the/) [Elizabeth Bowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-bowen/) > [Every love has a poetic relevance of its own; each love brings to light only what to it is relevant. 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B. 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