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Desired Quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner

“Sitting here, and thus, she had attained to a state which she could never have desired, not even conceived. And being so unforeseen, so alien to her character and upbringing, her felicity had an absolute perfection; no comparison between the desired and the actual could tear holes in it, no…” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner
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““Sitting here, and thus, she had attained to a state which she could never have desired, not even conceived. And being so unforeseen, so alien to her character and upbringing, her felicity had an absolute perfection; no comparison between the desired and the actual could tear holes in it, no ambition whisper, But this is not quite what you wanted, is it?””

Sylvia Townsend Warner

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Voyage of the Sable, Sylvia Townsend Warner, 1962

She experiences an unexpected, perfect happiness that exceeds any imagined desire, leaving no room for ambition or dissatisfaction.

In simple terms: Unexpected happiness that surpasses all expectations.

Key Takeaway

Embrace unexpected joy without chasing more.

Themes

happiness unexpectedness contentment identity selfdiscovery

Mood

reflective serene thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • life turning points
  • moments of profound contentment

Key Concepts

existential fulfillment paradox of desire psychological transformation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to be completely satisfied?
  • How do you handle sudden, unanticipated joy?
A Different Perspective

Such perfect contentment may be fleeting or unsustainable.

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