Can not Quote by Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon
“Pleasure and pain, the good and the bad, are so intermixed that we can not shun the one without depriving ourselves of the other.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal Correspondence, 1685
Pleasure and pain are intertwined; avoiding one eliminates the richness of the other, limiting full experience.
In simple terms: Both joy and pain shape life.
Key Takeaway
Accept both to live fully.
Themes
dualism
human experience
balance
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- relationship building
- self‑reflection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Stoicism
hedonism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you recall a time pain pain deepened your joy?
- How does embracing discomfort enhance growth?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that seeking pleasure alone is a valid goal.
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/812/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_20665.jpg)
