You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
You might get nothing out of it at all except a beautiful, long life where all you did was follow your gorgeous curiosity. And that should be enough too.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing curiosity can lead to a fulfilling life, even if it doesn't yield tangible results.
This quote emphasizes the value of curiosity and the idea that living a life driven by exploration and wonder can be rewarding in itself. It suggests that even if one doesn't achieve traditional successes, the experience of seeking knowledge and understanding contributes to a beautiful, meaningful existence.
Themes
CuriosityLifeExplorationMeaningBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a discussion about the value of lifelong learning.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes βDo not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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