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Desire Quote by Rabindranath Tagore

“There are things that cannot wait. You have to rush and run and march if you must fight or take the best place in the market. You strain your nerves and are on the alert when you chase opportunities that are always on the wing. But there are ideals which do not play hide-and-seek with our life…” quote by Rabindranath Tagore
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““There are things that cannot wait. You have to rush and run and march if you must fight or take the best place in the market. You strain your nerves and are on the alert when you chase opportunities that are always on the wing. But there are ideals which do not play hide-and-seek with our life; they slowly grow from seed to flower, from flower to fruit; they require infinite space and heaven's light to mature, and the fruits that they produce can survive years of insult and neglect. The East with her ideals, in whose bosom are stored the ages of sunlight and silence of stars, can patiently wait till the West, hurrying after the expedient, loses breath and stops. Europe, while busily speeding to her engagements, disdainfully casts her glance from her carriage window at the reaper reaping his harvest in the field, and in her intoxication of speed cannot but think him as slow and ever receding backwards. But the speed comes to its end, the engagement loses its meaning and the hungry heart clamours for food, till at last she comes to the lowly reaper reaping his harvest in the sun. For if the office cannot wait, or the buying and selling, or the craving for excitement, love waits and beauty and the wisdom of suffering and the fruits of patient devotion and reverent meekness of simple faith. And thus shall wait the East till her time comes. I””

Rabindranath Tagore

About This Quote

Source Essay: The East and the West, Rabindranath Tagore, 1910

Urgent market pursuits clash with timeless ideals that need patience, space, and light to mature.

In simple terms: Fast success vs slow growth

Key Takeaway

Balance urgency with patience

Themes

patience growth culture balance time wisdom

Mood

reflective thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • personal development
  • cross‑cultural relations
  • creative projects
  • long‑term planning

Key Concepts

spirituality philosophy economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you honor slow‑growing ideals while meeting market demands?
  • What practices help you cultivate patience in a fast world?
A Different Perspective

Rapid action can neglect deep values and lead to burnout

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