Lasts Quote by Lydia Davis
“You know the pain is part of the whole thing. And it isn’t that you can say afterwards the pleasure was greater than the pain and that’s why you would do it again. That has nothing to do with it. You can’t measure it, because the pain comes after and it lasts longer. So the question really is, Why doesn’t that pain make you say, I won’t do it again? When the pain is so bad that you have to say that, but you don’t.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Lydia Davis on Writing and Pain, The Paris Review, 2015
Pain persists longer than pleasure and yet does not deter repeated actions, highlighting a complex relationship between suffering and desire.
In simple terms: Pain lasts longer than pleasure but doesn’t stop us from repeating actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that desire can outweigh lingering discomfort.
Themes
psychology
human behavior
desire
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
psychological
observational
When to use this quote
- addiction
- habit formation
- creative work
- risk taking
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
reward circuitry
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we continue behaviors despite lasting pain?
- How does anticipation of pleasure override negative aftereffects?
A Different Perspective
Pain may be rationalized, obscuring its true impact.
![“I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.” quote by Lydia Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/lydia-davis-3244_after-hours_i-worked-more-intensively-hour-after-hou_171566.jpg)
