Answers Quote by John Tillotson
“In our pursuit of the things of this world, we usually prevent enjoyment, by expectation; we anticipate our own happiness, and eat out the heart and sweetness of worldly pleasures, by delightful forethoughts of them; so that when we come to possess them, they do not answer the expectation, nor satisfy the desires which were raised about them, and they vanish into nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Dangers of Expectation, 1695
Anticipating pleasure creates disappointment; true enjoyment comes from present experience, not imagined future.
In simple terms: Expecting too much ruins joy.
Key Takeaway
Focus on present moments rather than imagined outcomes.
Themes
contentment
expectation
mindfulness
Mood
thoughtful
calm
Type
spiritual
motivational
When to use this quote
- eating
- shopping
- vacations
- relationships
Key Concepts
psychology
hedonism
temporal perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What expectations limit your current happiness?
- How can you savor experiences without pre‑judging them?
A Different Perspective
May cause anxiety about future events.
