--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We never get what we want. We never want…" description: "\"We never get what we want. We never want what we get. We never have what we like. We never like what we have. That is life.\" — Nate" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/nate-946_life_we-never-get-what-we-want-we-never-want_1711902.jpg" --- # We never get what we want. We never want what we get. We… ![“We never get what we want. We never want what we get. We never have what we like. We never like what we have. That is life.” quote by Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/nate-946_life_we-never-get-what-we-want-we-never-want_1711902.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/nate-946_life_we-never-get-what-we-want-we-never-want_1711902.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/938/nate-946_life_we-never-get-what-we-want-we-never-want_1711902.jpg) > “We never get what we want. We never want what we get. We never have what we like. We never like what we have. That is life.” [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Desire and satisfaction are mismatched, creating perpetual dissatisfaction. **In simple terms:** We want what we can’t have and dislike what we have. Key Takeaway Accept reality to reduce frustration. Themes desire contentment paradox Mood thoughtful critical Type philosophical self‑help When to use this quote - Consumer behavior - relationship expectations - personal growth Key Concepts Psychology of desire cognitive dissonance Questions to Reflect On - What desires are unattainable? - How can you appreciate current possessions? A Different Perspective Accepting can be difficult. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) ## Related quotes > [“I'm not even mine anymore, I'm yours, and what if you decide that you don't want me? How could you want me like I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rainbow-rowell/i-m-not-even-mine-anymore-i-m-yours-and-what-if-you-decide-that-you/) [Rainbow Rowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rainbow-rowell/) > [INTELLIGENCE is like underwear...It is important that you have it but not necessary that you show it off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/intelligence-is-like-underwear-it-is-important-that-you-have-it-but/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [We're all not perfect, only human, we'll have ups and downs like a merry-go-round, we'll make many mistakes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/we-re-all-not-perfect-only-human-we-ll-have-ups-and-downs-like-a/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Its not about winning or losing. Its about enjoying life. When you enjoy it, it does not matter if you win or lose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/its-not-about-winning-or-losing-its-about-enjoying-life-when-you/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Shout out to old people for graduating high school without Google.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/shout-out-to-old-people-for-graduating-high-school-without-google/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Dont try to read other peoples minds. Dont make other people try to read yours. Communicate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/dont-try-to-read-other-peoples-minds-dont-make-other-people-try-to/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Addiction is tricky. For example: a man who quit smoking for 11 years spent 15 seconds in an elevator with a man smoking a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/addiction-is-tricky-for-example-a-man-who-quit-smoking-for-11-years/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [How does self-improvement apply to each of us? There is no one system or technique which applies equally across the board. There are numerous…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/how-does-self-improvement-apply-to-each-of-us-there-is-no-one-system/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama, and the people who create it. Surround yourself with people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/there-comes-a-time-in-life-when-you-walk-away-from-all-the-drama-and/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Do not tell me you are too old. Age is all imagination. Ignore years and they will ignore you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/do-not-tell-me-you-are-too-old-age-is-all-imagination-ignore-years/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Look for positive people and situations. Call a friend who sees the good in others. Spend time with a colleague who affirms the bright…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/look-for-positive-people-and-situations-call-a-friend-who-sees-the/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [. Be grateful Create a sense of gratitude for what you have, for what is working, for what is wonderful and sweet in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/be-grateful-create-a-sense-of-gratitude-for-what-you-have-for-what-is/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Is the glass half empty or half full? Life and relationships work better when the glass is half full. Below are some simple yet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/is-the-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-life-and-relationships-work/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [But just remember, the next time you see a person, do not judge whats on the outside, we could be having a bad day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/but-just-remember-the-next-time-you-see-a-person-do-not-judge-whats/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Forgiveness is not saying, What you did to me is okay. It is saying, Im not going to let what you did to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/forgiveness-is-not-saying-what-you-did-to-me-is-okay-it-is-saying-im/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) ## More by Nate > [Forgiveness is not saying, What you did to me is okay. It is saying, Im not going to let what you did to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/forgiveness-is-not-saying-what-you-did-to-me-is-okay-it-is-saying-im/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [But just remember, the next time you see a person, do not judge whats on the outside, we could be having a bad day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/but-just-remember-the-next-time-you-see-a-person-do-not-judge-whats/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Is the glass half empty or half full? Life and relationships work better when the glass is half full. Below are some simple yet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/is-the-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-life-and-relationships-work/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [If you can forgive yourself as well as others and learn from your mistakes, problems and heartaches will be stepping stones on your path…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/if-you-can-forgive-yourself-as-well-as-others-and-learn-from-your/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [The thing that counts most in the pursuit of happiness is choosing the right companion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/the-thing-that-counts-most-in-the-pursuit-of-happiness-is-choosing/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [. Be grateful Create a sense of gratitude for what you have, for what is working, for what is wonderful and sweet in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/be-grateful-create-a-sense-of-gratitude-for-what-you-have-for-what-is/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [A girl can be your best friend, worst enemy, a real sweetheart or a total witch. It all depends on how you treat her](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/a-girl-can-be-your-best-friend-worst-enemy-a-real-sweetheart-or-a-2/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [No matter what, once in your life, someone will hurt you. That someone will take all that you are, and rip it into pieces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/no-matter-what-once-in-your-life-someone-will-hurt-you-that-someone/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Look for positive people and situations. Call a friend who sees the good in others. Spend time with a colleague who affirms the bright…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/look-for-positive-people-and-situations-call-a-friend-who-sees-the/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Dont rush things. anything worth having is worth waiting for.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/dont-rush-things-anything-worth-having-is-worth-waiting-for/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [People know your name,not your story . Theyve heard what youve done, but not what youve been through. So take their opinions of you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/people-know-your-name-not-your-story-theyve-heard-what-youve-done-but/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [I wish what made us grow apart didnt happen, I miss what we had all the laughs and good times, I wish I never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/i-wish-what-made-us-grow-apart-didnt-happen-i-miss-what-we-had-all/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Seeing people change isnt what hurts.What hurts is remembering how they used to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/seeing-people-change-isnt-what-hurts-what-hurts-is-remembering-how/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Do not tell me you are too old. Age is all imagination. Ignore years and they will ignore you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/do-not-tell-me-you-are-too-old-age-is-all-imagination-ignore-years/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Top 10 Things to do at the Mall 10. At the bottom of an escalator, scream MY SHOELACES! AAAGH! 9. At the stylist, ask…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/top-10-things-to-do-at-the-mall-10-at-the-bottom-of-an-escalator/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) [Explore all 323 Nate quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) ## More Life quotes > [Of all the people who have affected my life and influenced the choices I've made, none has been more important than my father. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/teddy-atlas/of-all-the-people-who-have-affected-my-life-and-influenced-the/) [Teddy Atlas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/teddy-atlas/) > [What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. By suppressing differences and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octavio-paz/what-sets-worlds-in-motion-is-the-interplay-of-differences-their/) [Octavio Paz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octavio-paz/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life works most perfectly when a reciprocal love relationship is in place between man and God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/beth-moore/life-works-most-perfectly-when-a-reciprocal-love-relationship-is-in/) [Beth Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/beth-moore/) > [I value the experiences that come with life too much to sit by and not put my full effort into them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-miller/i-value-the-experiences-that-come-with-life-too-much-to-sit-by-and/) [Jim Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-miller/) > [Entertainment is a sacred pursuit when done well. When done well, it raises the quality of human life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-chabon/entertainment-is-a-sacred-pursuit-when-done-well-when-done-well-it/) [Michael Chabon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-chabon/) > [“There's more to life than you can see. Your sight is limited.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tammy-kling/there-s-more-to-life-than-you-can-see-your-sight-is-limited/) [Tammy Kling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tammy-kling/) > [“I've spent much of my life calling my intuition "something wrong with me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deanna-l-lawlis/i-ve-spent-much-of-my-life-calling-my-intuition-something-wrong-with/) Deanna L. Lawlis > [When you do things they're absolutely right at that time for you and it can always teach you something about yourself. You can take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kym-marsh/when-you-do-things-they-re-absolutely-right-at-that-time-for-you-and/) [Kym Marsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kym-marsh/) > [The only people who think the Internet is a calamity are people whose lives have been hurt by it; the only people who insist…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-klosterman/the-only-people-who-think-the-internet-is-a-calamity-are-people-whose/) [Chuck Klosterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-klosterman/) > [The one thing that I keep learning over and over again is that I don't know nothing. I mean, that's my life lesson.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwayne-johnson/the-one-thing-that-i-keep-learning-over-and-over-again-is-that-i-don/) [Dwayne Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwayne-johnson/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The future is only an indifferent void no one cares about, but the past is filled with life, and its countenance is irritating, repellent,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/milan-kundera/the-future-is-only-an-indifferent-void-no-one-cares-about-but-the/) [Milan Kundera](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/milan-kundera/) > [Two things revolutionised life: moving to the countryside and falling in love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-love/two-things-revolutionised-life-moving-to-the-countryside-and-falling/) [Nick Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-love/) > [But just remember, life without me would be even more unbearable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-rice/but-just-remember-life-without-me-would-be-even-more-unbearable/) [Anne Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-rice/) [Browse all 265,290 Life quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We never get what we want. 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