--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you expect nothing, you aren't…" description: "\"“If you expect nothing, you aren't disappointed when you get nothing”\" — J.M. Darhower" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5eb/j-m-darhower-1058_disappointed_if-you-expect-nothing-you-aren-t-disappo_3096495.jpg" --- # If you expect nothing, you aren't disappointed when you… ![“If you expect nothing, you aren't disappointed when you get nothing” quote by J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5eb/j-m-darhower-1058_disappointed_if-you-expect-nothing-you-aren-t-disappo_3096495.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5eb/j-m-darhower-1058_disappointed_if-you-expect-nothing-you-aren-t-disappo_3096495.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5eb/j-m-darhower-1058_disappointed_if-you-expect-nothing-you-aren-t-disappo_3096495.jpg) > ““If you expect nothing, you aren't disappointed when you get nothing”” [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Expecting nothing shields against disappointment, but also limits ambition and achievement. **In simple terms:** Low expectations prevent hurt but also hinder success. Key Takeaway Set realistic goals while staying open to possibilities. Themes expectations disappointment motivation goal‑setting Mood reflective cautious Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - career planning - relationships - personal growth - creative projects Key Concepts psychology mindset risk assessment Questions to Reflect On - How can you manage expectations without losing hope? - What small risks could you take today? A Different Perspective May lead to complacency or missed opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Disappointed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disappointed/) [Disappointment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disappointment/) [Sempre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sempre/) ## Related quotes > [“Nella vita: chi non risica, non rosica," he said finally, his voice quiet. "In life: nothing ventured, nothing gained. My mom used to tell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/nella-vita-chi-non-risica-non-rosica-he-said-finally-his-voice-quiet/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Go for it, while you can. I know you have it in you. And I can't promise you'll get everything you want, but I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/go-for-it-while-you-can-i-know-you-have-it-in-you-and-i-can-t-promise/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Would you be willing to take a lie detector test?" "I’m afraid not," he said. "It goes against my religion." His brow furrowed. "How?"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/would-you-be-willing-to-take-a-lie-detector-test-i-m-afraid-not-he/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Imagine every aspect of your life—your job, your spouse, your kids, even your friends—but don’t imagine the future you think you’re heading for. Instead,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/imagine-every-aspect-of-your-life-your-job-your-spouse-your-kids-even/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Same difference,” he said. “The South lost and the North won. Abraham Lincoln came and gave the Emancipation Proclamation.” “The Gettysburg Address,” Mrs. Anderson…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/same-difference-he-said-the-south-lost-and-the-north-won-abraham/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Besides, there‘s a reason we don‘t know how the story ends." "Why?" "Because it doesn‘t”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/besides-there-s-a-reason-we-don-t-know-how-the-story-ends-why-because/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“ sempre. she asked. Cracking a smile, he brushed his pointer finger softly across her lips. “Always and forever.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/sempre-she-asked-cracking-a-smile-he-brushed-his-pointer-finger/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“I’m surprised she hasn’t started cursing yet from hearing me.” “Oh, but she has,” Vincent said. “I overheard her.” Carmine turned to Haven. “What…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/i-m-surprised-she-hasn-t-started-cursing-yet-from-hearing-me-oh-but/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“He bowed jokingly, and everyone laughed as Mrs.Anderson shook her head. "Did you even read the material?" "of course I did." "Who was the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/he-bowed-jokingly-and-everyone-laughed-as-mrs-anderson-shook-her-head/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Whatever, I know how to treat a girl," he said defensively as he glanced at Haven for confirmation, clearly not believing his own words.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/whatever-i-know-how-to-treat-a-girl-he-said-defensively-as-he-glanced/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“You can play it safe, and I wouldn't blame you for it. You can continue as you've been doing, and you'll survive, but is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/you-can-play-it-safe-and-i-wouldn-t-blame-you-for-it-you-can-continue/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“He asked if I was happy with you. Nothing of importance.” He groaned after the words rolled from his lips. “Not saying that’s not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/he-asked-if-i-was-happy-with-you-nothing-of-importance-he-groaned/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“The first time you asked me to marry you was three years ago. You told me it didn‚Äôt have to be that day, or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/the-first-time-you-asked-me-to-marry-you-was-three-years-ago-you-told/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Love is something that changes you, and if you really loved all the crap you say you loved. You'd never know who you were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jm-darhower/love-is-something-that-changes-you-and-if-you-really-loved-all-the/) JM Darhower > [“Really?” “Yeah. I see that asshole every day when I look in the mirror. I don’t need a picture of him.” “Thank you,” she…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower-2/really-yeah-i-see-that-asshole-every-day-when-i-look-in-the-mirror-i/) J.M Darhower ## More by J.M. Darhower > [“The world isn't always black and white. sometimes, it's gray, and sometimes that gray explodes into colors you never knew existed before.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/the-world-isn-t-always-black-and-white-sometimes-it-s-gray-and/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“I see you’re not being as sneaky this time around. I’m glad. You make a gorgeous couple.” Carmine smirked as he looked at Haven,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/i-see-you-re-not-being-as-sneaky-this-time-around-i-m-glad-you-make-a/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“He's a beast. A monster. And he looks like he wants to devour me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/he-s-a-beast-a-monster-and-he-looks-like-he-wants-to-devour-me/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Everyone falls sometimes, son, even me, but the trick is to get right back up. They’ll always target the ones who appear vulnerable, so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/everyone-falls-sometimes-son-even-me-but-the-trick-is-to-get-right/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“You know what's kind of funny? Well, not funny, but ironic, maybe? She's been here nine months now, and it takes nine months to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/you-know-what-s-kind-of-funny-well-not-funny-but-ironic-maybe-she-s/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Sometimes I lose perspective, but it helps to stop and look around. I may not have it all, but I have more than enough.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/sometimes-i-lose-perspective-but-it-helps-to-stop-and-look-around-i/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“She's not just under my skin, she's in my organs, wrapped up in my cells, infecting me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/she-s-not-just-under-my-skin-she-s-in-my-organs-wrapped-up-in-my/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Life is a struggle, and it would be so easy if it came with an eraser, but it didn't.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/life-is-a-struggle-and-it-would-be-so-easy-if-it-came-with-an-eraser/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“The fire? It still burns. Something tells me it always will, no matter who tries to put it out.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/the-fire-it-still-burns-something-tells-me-it-always-will-no-matter/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 18-something-or-nother. The year doesn‘t matter.They considered it the turning point of the war, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/the-battle-of-gettysburg-was-fought-in-gettysburg-pennsylvania-in-18/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Nella vita: chi non risica, non rosica," he said finally, his voice quiet. "In life: nothing ventured, nothing gained. My mom used to tell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/nella-vita-chi-non-risica-non-rosica-he-said-finally-his-voice-quiet/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“I don’t care what else you do in the future, even when you’re the biggest movie star in the world… the dead kid on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/i-don-t-care-what-else-you-do-in-the-future-even-when-you-re-the/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Life’s a struggle, and it would be so easy if it came with an eraser, but it didn’t. What's done is done, as hard…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/life-s-a-struggle-and-it-would-be-so-easy-if-it-came-with-an-eraser/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“This boy--this stubborn, selfless, stupid boy--had given himself to the Mafia. He had handed control of his future over to the men they hated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/this-boy-this-stubborn-selfless-stupid-boy-had-given-himself-to-the/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) > [“Fuck those motherfuckers”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-darhower/fuck-those-motherfuckers/) [J.M. Darhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) [Explore all 291 J.M. Darhower quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-darhower/) ## More Disappointed quotes > [Sometimes it's just enough for me to have the idea. I don't need to see it through to the end. When it actually happens,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-sedaris/sometimes-it-s-just-enough-for-me-to-have-the-idea-i-don-t-need-to/) [Amy Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-sedaris/) > [If you expect the worst from a person you can never be disappointed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-burgess/if-you-expect-the-worst-from-a-person-you-can-never-be-disappointed/) [Anthony Burgess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-burgess/) > [Somebody said that part of my reaction to British cinema is actually, paradoxically, a patriotic one. I'm so disappointed that we're not better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-brownlow/somebody-said-that-part-of-my-reaction-to-british-cinema-is-actually/) [Kevin Brownlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-brownlow/) > [I don't hate you, i m just disappointed you turned into everything you said you'd never be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-don-t-hate-you-i-m-just-disappointed-you-turned-into-everything-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Every producer in Hollywood had set me down as a type. I was both amused and disappointed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bela-lugosi/every-producer-in-hollywood-had-set-me-down-as-a-type-i-was-both/) [Bela Lugosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bela-lugosi/) > [I just hate meetings. Though it's true that once you've made a lot of money, people around you might be full of ideas about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-k-rowling-2/i-just-hate-meetings-though-it-s-true-that-once-you-ve-made-a-lot-of/) [J. K. Rowling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-k-rowling-2/) > [You wanted to become a doctor to help people and feel better at the end of your job, I think, watching them, as the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caitlin-moran/you-wanted-to-become-a-doctor-to-help-people-and-feel-better-at-the/) [Caitlin Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caitlin-moran/) > [I've had to learn that not everybody does things my way. But I do expect the absolute best of everyone around me, and I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-johnson/i-ve-had-to-learn-that-not-everybody-does-things-my-way-but-i-do/) [Michael Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-johnson/) > [I am far from any intention to limit curiosity, or confine the labours of learning to arts of immediate and necessary use. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/i-am-far-from-any-intention-to-limit-curiosity-or-confine-the-labours/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [I want violence. I want punching in the face. I'm disappointed in Trump supporters for not punching enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gavin-mcinnes/i-want-violence-i-want-punching-in-the-face-i-m-disappointed-in-trump/) [Gavin McInnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gavin-mcinnes/) > [It's core to my beliefs now: Sometimes in being given a challenge, you're actually being given a real opportunity, and a lot of that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-graham/it-s-core-to-my-beliefs-now-sometimes-in-being-given-a-challenge-you/) [Lauren Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-graham/) > [Lamon, that speech won't scour. It is a flat failure and the people are disappointed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/lamon-that-speech-won-t-scour-it-is-a-flat-failure-and-the-people-are/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Never aim to be proactive with your day. That way, if you end up getting stuff done, you’re never disappointed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-blagden/never-aim-to-be-proactive-with-your-day-that-way-if-you-end-up/) [George Blagden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-blagden/) > [I am disappointed by this controversy surrounding A Million Little Pieces because I rely on the publishers to define the category that a book…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oprah-winfrey/i-am-disappointed-by-this-controversy-surrounding-a-million-little/) [Oprah Winfrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oprah-winfrey/) > [It is always the time of hope, confidence and love. Everything passes; love remains. We will not be disappointed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carlo-maria-martini/it-is-always-the-time-of-hope-confidence-and-love-everything-passes/) Carlo Maria Martini [Browse all 1,145 Disappointed quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disappointed/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“If you expect nothing, you aren't disappointed when you get nothing”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "J.M. 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