Joy Quote by Jane Austen
““But it is fortunate,'' thought she, ''that I have something to wish for. Were the whole arrangement complete, my disappointment would be certain. But here, by my carrying with me one ceaseless source of regret in my sister's absence, I may reasonably hope to have all my expectations of pleasure realized. A scheme of which every part promises delight, can never be successful; and general disappointment is only warded off by the defence of some little peculiar vexation.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Emma, 1815
Hope and anticipation are fueled by a lingering regret, preventing true satisfaction.
In simple terms: Regret sustains hope.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge loss to find contentment.
Themes
emotion
expectation
regret
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- unrequited love
- career ambition
Key Concepts
psychology
motivation
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your “little vexation” teach you?
- Can you find joy without longing?
A Different Perspective
Clinging to regret may hinder growth.
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![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
