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Regret Quote by Javier Marías

“What happened between us both happened and didn't happen, it's the same with everything, why do or not do something, why say "yes" or "no," why worry yourself with a "perhaps" or a "maybe," why speak, why remain silent, why refuse, why know anything if nothing of what happens happens, because…” quote by Javier Marías
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““What happened between us both happened and didn't happen, it's the same with everything, why do or not do something, why say "yes" or "no," why worry yourself with a "perhaps" or a "maybe," why speak, why remain silent, why refuse, why know anything if nothing of what happens happens, because nothing happens without interruption, nothing lasts or endures or is ceaselessly remembered, what takes place is identical to what doesn't take place, what we dismiss or allow to slip by us is identical to what we accept and seize, what we experience identical to what we never try; we pour all our intelligence and out feelings and our enthusiasm into the task of discriminating between things that will all be made equal, if they haven't already been, and that's why we're so full of regrets and lost opportunities, of confirmations and reaffirmations and opportunities grasped, when the truth is that nothing is affirmed and everything is constantly in the process of being lost. Or perhaps there never was anything.””

Javier Marías

About This Quote

Source Book: Your Face Tomorrow, Javier Marías, 2002

The quote reflects on the paradox of existence, where actions and in‑actions, choices and doubts, all blend into a continuous flow where meaning is elusive and regret arises from over‑analysis.

In simple terms: Life is a blend of choices, doubts, and regrets, making meaning hard to pin down.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and act without over‑thinking.

Themes

existentialism paradox regret choice meaning

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • making decisions
  • reflecting on past choices
  • coping with regret
  • seeking purpose
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology determinism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you find yourself over‑analyzing decisions?
  • How can you balance reflection with action?
A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex human experiences into a single deterministic view.

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