QuoteProject
We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us.
Francois Rabelais
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the human tendency to desire what is out of reach or prohibited.

Francois Rabelais captures a fundamental aspect of human nature in this quote: the allure of the forbidden. This desire often stems from our perception that what is denied to us is inherently more valuable or tantalizing, leading to a cycle of longing for that which we cannot have. It serves as a reminder of how our desires can be shaped by limitations and restrictions placed upon us, prompting reflection on the nature of desire itself.

Themes

ForbiddenDesireLongingHuman NatureRestriction

In practice

Example use cases

During a philosophical debate on human desires, one might cite this quote to illustrate the concept of yearning for the unattainable.

More from Francois Rabelais

Science without conscience is the soul's perdition.
Francois RabelaisRead
If the skies fall, one may hope to catch larks.
Francois RabelaisRead
Bring down the curtain, the farce is over
Francois RabelaisRead
There is no truer cause of unhappiness amongst men than, where naturally expecting charity and benevolence, they receive harm and vexation.
Francois RabelaisRead
If you want to avoid seeing an idiot, break the mirror.
Francois RabelaisRead
In their rules there was only one clause: Do what you will.
Francois RabelaisRead

Similar quotes

The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of suffering.
Ram DassRead
The everyday cares and duties, which men call drudgery, are the weights and counterpoises of the clock of time, giving its pendulum a true vibration and its hands a regular motion; and when they cease to hang upon its wheels, the pendulum no longer swings, the hands no longer move the clock stands still.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
We might sometimes reflect and recall that the purpose of all our science, technology, industry, manufacturing, commerce, and finance is celebration, planetary celebration. This is what moves the stars through the heavens and the earth through its seasons. The final norm of judgment concerning the success or failure of our technologies is the extent to which they enable us to participate more fully in this grand festival.
Thomas BerryRead
A retaliator behaves like a hawk when he is attacked by a hawk, and like a dove when he meets a dove. When he meets another retaliator he plays like a dove. A retaliator is a conditional strategist. His behaviour depends on the behaviour of his opponent.
Richard DawkinsRead
Maybe I am naive, but I don't think talking about the Holocaust with total and complete cynicism is possible for Israeli politicians. It's inevitable that the Holocaust is part of Israeli politics.
Timothy D. SnyderRead
Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.
Kurt VonnegutRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Francois Rabelais | QuoteProject