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Enjoyment Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“We are not immortal ourselves, my friend; how can we expect our enjoyments to be so? We have no rose without its thorn; no pleasure without alloy. It is the law of our existence; and we must acquiesce.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“We are not immortal ourselves, my friend; how can we expect our enjoyments to be so? We have no rose without its thorn; no pleasure without alloy. It is the law of our existence; and we must acquiesce.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Letter to John Adams, 1790

Human mortality limits pleasure; joy always comes with pain and sacrifice.

In simple terms: Pleasure has costs.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's trade‑offs.

Themes

mortality pleasure acceptance

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • personal growth
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

philosophy human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance desire and responsibility?
  • What sacrifices are you willing to make for joy?
A Different Perspective

Pleasure can be pursued without acknowledging pain.

3.4 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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