"The trouble with happiness is that it comes upon us unawares, appearing as an unexpected guest."
This quote suggests that true happiness often catches us off guard, rather than being something we can plan for or anticipate. It implies that genuine happiness is a spontaneous experience, an unexpected gift, rather than a constant state of mind that we can deliberately seek and control. In other words, it reminds us to appreciate the moments of pure joy when they come, as they may not always be predictable or within our grasp.
"To want something was to risk being disappointed, to desire something was to court disappointment."
This quote suggests that desiring or wanting something comes with an inherent risk of experiencing disappointment because the outcome may not meet our expectations. It's a poignant reminder about the potential for dissatisfaction when we attach strong emotions or high hopes to specific outcomes, which can lead to feelings of disillusionment if things don't go as planned. The quote encourages us to be mindful of this risk and strive for balance between our aspirations and the acceptance that life often presents us with unforeseen twists and turns.
"There's a difference between having things and wanting them."
This quote highlights the distinction between mere possession and genuine desire. It suggests that material possessions do not necessarily equate to personal fulfillment or happiness, as wanting something does not always translate into needing it for one's well-being or satisfaction. The implication is that focusing on what truly matters to us – our passions, relationships, experiences – can bring greater meaning and contentment in life than simply accumulating wealth or possessions.
"In the end, you can't know what you truly believe until it's been tested."
This quote suggests that our deeply held beliefs are not fully understood or validated until they are challenged or put to the test. Only when we face adversity, make difficult decisions, or confront conflicting ideas can we truly assess the depth of our convictions and understand their true nature. This process helps us discern which beliefs are genuinely ours and which ones were merely superficial or unquestioned.
"We are all of us prisoners of our desires, even those of us who deny we have any."
This quote emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their denial or awareness, is bound by their desires. Desires drive human behavior and influence our actions, thoughts, and feelings. Even those who claim to have no desires are still subject to them, as unacknowledged desires can still guide us in subtle ways. In essence, the quote suggests that desires have a profound impact on our lives, whether we acknowledge them or not.
Here is what I am not going to do: I am not going to go to a restaurant, take pictures of my food, download them, and call that a blog. That is beyond the pale. The Internet is such a bazaar of self-indulgences that I don't know why that particular one should bug me so much. But it really does.
- Jonathan Dee
I have no desire to write historical anything or futuristic anything - I want to find a way to get at the essence of what it's like to be alive now. The reason why great novels from centuries ago are still great is because that's what they were doing; it's like a message from another culture.
- Jonathan Dee
In order to describe a particular subculture, you might want to portray people who are typical or representative of that subculture; but to dramatize it, to make it an interesting setting for a story, you want to bring someone anomalous into that setting, to see how she conforms to it, and it to her.
- Jonathan Dee
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