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Books Quote by Jorge Luis Borges

“At my age, one should be aware of one's limits, and this knowledge may make for happiness. When I was young, I thought of literature as a game of skillful and surprising variations; now that I have found my own voice, I feel that tinkering and tampering neither greatly improve nor greatly spoil my…” quote by Jorge Luis Borges
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““At my age, one should be aware of one's limits, and this knowledge may make for happiness. When I was young, I thought of literature as a game of skillful and surprising variations; now that I have found my own voice, I feel that tinkering and tampering neither greatly improve nor greatly spoil my drafts. This, of course, is a sin against one of the main tendencies of letters in this century--the vanity of overwriting-- ... I suppose my best work is over. This gives me a certain quiet satisfaction and ease. And yet I do not feel I have written myself out. In a way, youthfulness seems closer to me today than when I was a young man. I no longer regard happiness as unattainable; once, long ago, I did. Now I know that it may occur at any moment but that it should never be sought after. As to failure or fame, they are quite irrelevant and I never bother about them. What I'm out for now is peace, the enjoyment of thinking and of friendship, and, though it may be too ambitious, a sense of loving and of being loved.””

Jorge Luis Borges

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Art of Writing” (hypothetical), 1970

The author reflects on aging, recognizing limits, and finding contentment beyond fame, focusing on peace, thought, and love.

In simple terms: Aging brings humility and peace, not fame.

Key Takeaway

Embrace limits, seek quiet joy.

Themes

humility peace creativity love

Mood

reflective calm thoughtful

Type

philosophical personal literary

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • retirement
  • personal growth
  • friendship
  • mindfulness

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑acceptance literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance humility with ambition?
  • What does peace look like in your daily life?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on self‑reflection can hinder productive action.

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