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Able Quote by Zoë Heller

“I'm a child in that respect: able to live, physically speaking, on a crumb of anticipation for weeks at a time, but always in danger of crushing the waited-for event with the freight of my excessive hope.” quote by Zoë Heller
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“I'm a child in that respect: able to live, physically speaking, on a crumb of anticipation for weeks at a time, but always in danger of crushing the waited-for event with the freight of my excessive hope.”

Zoë Heller

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Believers by Zoë Heller, 2008

Living on anticipation creates tension; hope can both sustain and jeopardize the awaited event.

In simple terms: Hope fuels but can also crush expectations.

Key Takeaway

Balance hope with realistic expectations.

Themes

anticipation hope risk psychology

Mood

anxious hopeful

Type

reflective cautionary

When to use this quote

  • waiting for news
  • project deadlines
  • personal goals
  • relationship milestones

Key Concepts

expectation management emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you temper hope without losing motivation?
  • What signs show hope becoming harmful?
A Different Perspective

Excessive hope may lead to disappointment if outcomes differ.

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