Desire Quote by Jacques Maritain
“Nothing is more human than for man to desire naturally things impossible to his nature. It is, indeed, the property of a nature which is not closed up in matter like the nature of physical things, but which is intellectual or infinitized by the spirit. It is the property of a metaphysical nature. Such desires reach for the infinite, because the intellect thirsts for being and being is infinite.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: Integral Humanism by Jacques Maritain, 1936
Human desire for the impossible stems from an infinite intellectual nature seeking being.
In simple terms: Humans crave the infinite.
Key Takeaway
Pursue higher aspirations.
Themes
desire
infinity
spirit
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- scientific research
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
metaphysical nature
intellectual thirst
Questions to Reflect On
- What infinite goals drive you?
- How does yearning shape purpose?
A Different Perspective
Desire may lead to frustration.
![“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)
