--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sorrow is properly that state of the mind…" description: "\"Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future.\" — Samuel Johnson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/samuel-johnson-50_desire_sorrow-is-properly-that-state-of-the-min_1167714.png" --- # Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our… ![“Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/samuel-johnson-50_desire_sorrow-is-properly-that-state-of-the-min_1167714.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/samuel-johnson-50_desire_sorrow-is-properly-that-state-of-the-min_1167714.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d08/samuel-johnson-50_desire_sorrow-is-properly-that-state-of-the-min_1167714.png) > “Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Sorrow occurs when we cling to past desires, preventing us from looking forward and embracing future possibilities. **In simple terms:** Holding onto past wishes causes sadness and blocks future hope. Key Takeaway Release past attachments to foster forward thinking. Themes sorrow memory future orientation psychology Mood reflective hopeful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal reflection - therapy sessions - creative projects - goal setting Key Concepts attachment theory mindfulness emotional regulation Questions to Reflect On - What past desires are you holding onto? - How can you shift focus to future possibilities? A Different Perspective Focusing on the past can hinder personal growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Looking forward to the future](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looking-forward-to-the-future/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Past](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/past/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Sorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sorrow/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“It seems sometimes that we get so caught up in missing the past, or looking forward to the future, that we forget that this,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-a-ashley/it-seems-sometimes-that-we-get-so-caught-up-in-missing-the-past-or/) [John A. 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