Desire Quote by Seneca
““They strive to attain their wishes by every available means, instructing and compelling themselves to dishonest and difficult acts. And when their labour is without reward, it is the fruitless disgrace that tortures them - they are not grieved to have desired evil things but to have desired in vain. Then remorse for what they began lays hold of them, and the fear of beginning again, and thence creeps in the agitation of mind which can find no relief - because neither can they rule nor can they obey their desires. And then comes the hesitancy of a life failing to clear a way for itself, and the dull wasting of a soul lying torpid amidst forsaken hopes.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Moral Essays, Seneca, 1st century AD
People pursue harmful desires by any means, leading to regret, fear, and mental unrest when goals fail.
In simple terms: Chasing bad goals causes regret and anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Avoid harmful pursuits; seek virtuous goals.
Themes
desire
regret
mental unrest
virtue
self‑control
Mood
reflective
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationship choices
- addiction recovery
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Stoicism
ethical philosophy
human psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires are truly beneficial?
- How can you recognize when a goal is harmful?
A Different Perspective
Even virtuous people can be trapped by desire, requiring constant self‑examination.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
