Desire Quote by Thomas Merton
““The earthly desires men cherish are shadows. There is no true happiness in fulfilling them. Why, then, do we continue to pursue joys without substance? Because the pursuit itself has become our only substitute for joy. Unable to rest in anything we achieve, we determine to forget our discontent in a ceaseless quest for new satisfactions. In this pursuit, desire itself becomes our chief satisfaction.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Seven Storey Mountain”, 1948
Desires are fleeting shadows; true happiness isn’t found in their fulfillment, yet we chase them as a substitute for joy.
In simple terms: Chasing desires doesn’t bring lasting happiness.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper fulfillment beyond fleeting wants.
Themes
desire
happiness
meaning
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- consumer habits
- relationship goals
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper purpose can replace endless desire?
- How can you find contentment without constant new goals?
A Different Perspective
Constant pursuit can create endless dissatisfaction.
![“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)
