There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Like other men, I have sought honours and preferment, and often have obtained them beyond my wishes or hopes. Yet never have I found in them that content which I had figured beforehand in my mind. A strong reason, if we well consider it, why we should disencumber ourselves of vain desires.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of honors often leads to disappointment, highlighting the futility of vain desires.
This quote reflects on the experiences of seeking external recognition and honors and the realization that such pursuits often do not bring the anticipated satisfaction. Guicciardini suggests that these experiences serve as a lesson in the futility of chasing empty desires, encouraging individuals to reassess their goals and focus on what truly brings contentment.
Themes
HonorsContentmentDesiresSatisfactionReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of inner peace, one might say, 'As Francesco Guicciardini reflected, the pursuit of honors often leads to disappointment.'
More from Francesco Guicciardini
All quotes →If you attempt certain things at the right time, they are easy to accomplish - in fact, they almost get done by themselves. If you undertake them before the time is right, not only will they fail, but they will often become impossible to accomplish even when the time would have been right.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
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