Desire Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“We should wish for few things with eagerness, if we perfectly knew the nature of that which was the object of our desire.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Maximes, François de La Rochefoucauld, 1665
Desire should be tempered by realistic understanding of what truly satisfies us, preventing misguided longing.
In simple terms: Know what truly satisfies before yearning.
Key Takeaway
Seek realistic, informed desires.
Themes
philosophy
desire
wisdom
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- relationship choices
- career planning
- spiritual practice
- consumer decisions
Key Concepts
human nature
contentment
self‑knowledge
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires might be based on illusion?
- How can you align wishes with true needs?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing desires can lead to disappointment.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
