Anticipation Quote by Honore de Balzac
“With every one, the expectation of a misfortune constitutes a dreadful, punishment. Suffering then assumes the proportions of the unknown, which is the soul's infinite.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Comedy, Honore de Balzac, 1850s
Anticipating disaster amplifies fear, turning unknowns into overwhelming suffering.
In simple terms: Fear magnifies unknown threats.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question exaggerated expectations.
Themes
fear
expectation
psychology
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- health anxieties
- financial uncertainty
- relationship conflicts
Key Concepts
cognitive distortion
anxiety
existential dread
Questions to Reflect On
- How does expectation shape your experience of risk?
- What strategies reduce fear of the unknown?
A Different Perspective
Not all unknowns become infinite; perspective can limit dread.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“[Every disappointment or misfortune can become a blessing in disguise, for which we should be grateful. But only if the hidden blessing is anticipated, expected and searched for will it be found and recognised as such and the most made of it. For example...] Many a man curses the rain that falls…” quote by Saint Basil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f73/saint-basil-4281_abundance_every-disappointment-or-misfortune-can-b_143853.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
