Anticipation Quote by Jorge Luis Borges
“Then he reflected that reality does not usually coincide with our anticipation of it; with a logic of his own he inferred that to forsee a circumstantial detail is to prevent its happening. Trusting in this weak magic, he invented, so that they would not happen, the most gruesome details.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Book of Sand” by Jorge Luis Borges, 1975
Attempting to foresee and control details can create a self‑fulfilling fear, turning imagination into a harmful magic.
In simple terms: Trying to predict and prevent events can cause fear and harm.
Key Takeaway
Beware of trying to control every outcome.
Themes
control
prediction
fear
magic
self‑fulfilling prophecy
Mood
anxious
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- decision making
- risk management
- creative writing
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does trying to prevent outcomes affect freedom?
- When is foresight helpful versus harmful?
A Different Perspective
Over‑control can stifle spontaneity and growth.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
