Abandon Quote by John Eldredge
“Should the king in exile pretend he is happy there? Should he not seek his own country? His miseries are his ally; they urge him on. Let them grow, if need be. But do not forsake the secret of life; do not despise those kingly desires. We abandon the most important journey of our lives when we abandon desire. We leave our hearts by the side of the road and head off in the direction of fitting in, getting by, being productive, what have you. Whatever we might gain – money, position, the approval of others, or just absence of the discontent self – it’s not worth it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, 2001
True fulfillment comes from embracing desire and authentic purpose, not merely conforming to societal expectations or external success.
In simple terms: Follow true desires, not just social norms.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authentic purpose over approval.
Themes
purpose
authenticity
desire
conformity
meaning
Mood
reflective
determined
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- relationships
- spiritual quests
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires have you suppressed for acceptance?
- How might embracing desire change your path?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring desire can lead to emptiness despite external achievements.
![“There is a satisfaction we don't want to come to until we come to it in God…[Disappointments] serve to remind us every day that we cannot make life work the way we want…If we'll let it, the disappointment can be God's way of continually drawing us back to himself.” quote by John Eldredge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/830/john-eldredge-1487_disappointment_there-is-a-satisfaction-we-don-t-want-to_71871.jpg)
