Anticipation Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Such is the state of life, that none are happy but by the anticipation of change: the change itself is nothing; when we have made it, the next wish is to change again. The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw be”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
Human happiness depends on anticipating change; yet change itself is empty, and after each change we desire another.
In simple terms: We chase change, never finding lasting happiness.
Key Takeaway
Accept impermanence.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
desire
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal growth
- mindfulness
- goal setting
Key Concepts
Existentialism
psychology
contentment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anticipation affect satisfaction?
- Can we find peace without change?
A Different Perspective
Constant change can cause instability.
![“So much of life [is] a putting-off of unhappiness for another time. Nothing [is] ever lost by delay.” quote by Graham Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7e1/graham-greene-441_another-time_so-much-of-life-is-a-putting-off-of-unha_1311696.jpg)
![“[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)
