Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
In the light of eternity we shall see that what we desired would have been fatal to us, and that what we would have avoided was essential to our well-being.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our desires and fears often misguide us, and in the grand scheme of eternity, what we think we want may harm us, while what we fear may actually be necessary for our growth.
Francois Fenelon's quote reflects on the nature of human desire and fear, implying that our perspectives are often limited by our immediate experiences. In the light of eternity, which represents an expansive understanding of existence beyond our temporal lives, we will come to realize that many things we wished for could have detrimental effects on our lives, while the challenges and experiences we sought to avoid could be crucial to our personal and spiritual development.
Themes
DesireEternityWell-BeingPhilosophyGrowthFear
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on life choices and regrets, this quote can illustrate how our perception of circumstances can change over time.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes βTrue prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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