Anticipation Quote by Joseph Addison
“We are apt to rely upon future prospects, and become really expensive while we are only rich in possibility. We live up to our expectations, not to our possessions, and make a figure proportionable to what we may be, not what we are.”
About This Quote
People often value potential over actual wealth, shaping identity around future possibilities rather than current possessions.
In simple terms: We define ourselves by future potential.
Key Takeaway
Focus on realistic goals.
Themes
ambition
identity
expectations
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- financial budgeting
- goal setting
Key Concepts
economics
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance hope with present reality?
- What defines true success for you?
A Different Perspective
Potential can be unrealistic and lead to disappointment.
![“[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)
