In all worldly things that a man pursues with the greatest eagerness he finds not half the pleasure in the possession that he proposed to himself in the expectation.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
A man's delight in looking forward to and hoping for some particular satisfaction is a part of the pleasure flowing out of it, enjoyed in advance. But this is afterward deducted, for the more we look forward to anything the less we enjoy it when it comes.
It is in his pleasure that a man really lives; it is from his leisure that he constructs the true fabric of self.
Every man hath a general desire of his own happiness; and likewise a variety of particular affections, passions, and appetites to particular external objects.
A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and of many others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own.
A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and enkindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy.
Man is not constituted to take pleasure in the same things always.
To a man of pleasure every moment appears to be lost, which partakes not of the vivacity of amusement.
Man never thinks himself happy, but when he enjoys those things which others want or desire.
In order to institute action, it is not sufficient that the individual man have unachieved ends that he would like to fulfill. He must also expect that certain modes of behavior will enable him to attain his ends. A man may have a desire for sunshine, but if he realizes that he can do nothing to achieve it, he does not act on this desire.
Objects we ardently pursue bring little happiness when gained; most of our pleasures come from unexpected sources.
No opposing quotes found.