---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How exquisitely human was the wish for…"
description: "\"How exquisitely human was the wish for permanent happiness, and how thin human imagination became trying to achieve it.\" — Toni Morrison"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e6/toni-morrison-271_achieve_how-exquisitely-human-was-the-wish-for-p_1829876.jpg"
---

#  How exquisitely human was the wish for permanent…

![“How exquisitely human was the wish for permanent happiness, and how thin human imagination became trying to achieve it.” quote by Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e6/toni-morrison-271_achieve_how-exquisitely-human-was-the-wish-for-p_1829876.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e6/toni-morrison-271_achieve_how-exquisitely-human-was-the-wish-for-p_1829876.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e6/toni-morrison-271_achieve_how-exquisitely-human-was-the-wish-for-p_1829876.jpg)

> “How exquisitely human was the wish for permanent happiness, and how thin human imagination became trying to achieve it.”

[Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toni-morrison/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human desire for lasting happiness is impossible, and our imagination collapses when we chase it.

**In simple terms:** Seeking permanent happiness is futile.

Key Takeaway

Accept impermanence.

Themes

human nature desire illusion impermanence

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- mental health
- spiritual practice
- creative pursuits

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

- What does happiness mean to you?
- How can you find contentment without endless pursuit?

A Different Perspective

Happiness is fleeting; striving may cause suffering.

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[Creativity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creativity/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Human imagination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-imagination/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Imagination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imagination/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/)

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