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Expectation Quote by Thomas Hardy

“...Reminiscence is less an endowment than a disease, and expectation in its only comfortable form--that of absolute faith--is practically an impossibility; whilst in the form of hope and the secondary compounds, patience, impatience, resolve, curiosity, it is a constant fluctuation between…” quote by Thomas Hardy
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““...Reminiscence is less an endowment than a disease, and expectation in its only comfortable form--that of absolute faith--is practically an impossibility; whilst in the form of hope and the secondary compounds, patience, impatience, resolve, curiosity, it is a constant fluctuation between pleasure and pain.””

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891

Reminiscence is portrayed as a harmful obsession, while hope and its related emotions cause constant emotional swings between joy and suffering.

In simple terms: Memory can be harmful; hope brings mixed feelings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance hope’s emotional impacts.

Themes

memory hope emotion patience curiosity

Mood

reflective melancholic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • grieving loss
  • personal growth
  • creative work
  • relationship dynamics

Key Concepts

psychology human nature existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you manage hope’s highs and lows?
  • What role does curiosity play in coping?
A Different Perspective

Hope’s fluctuations can lead to instability if unchecked.

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