Human affairs inspire in noble hearts only two feelings-admiration or pity.
Anatole FranceRead
The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often seek something beyond life without understanding or valuing the one they have.
In this quote, Anatole France reflects on the paradox of human existence where many individuals are dissatisfied with their current lives but simultaneously yearn for an eternal existence. This suggests a disconnect between recognizing the value of the present life and the desires for an infinite, often idealized, life beyond it, urging a deeper contemplation on how we live and appreciate our time on earth.
Themes
LifeExistenceValueDiscontentEternity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about appreciating life, this quote could highlight the importance of living in the moment.
More from Anatole France
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In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.
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Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned
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There is a certain impertinence in allowing oneself to be burned for an opinion.
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Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.
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You boast of spending a tenth part of your income in charity; may be you should spend the nine tenths so, and done with it.
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Martin Luther King, Jr.Read