Things are sweeter when they're lost. I know--because once I wanted something and got it. It was the only thing I ever wanted badly, Dot, and when I got it it turned to dust in my hand.
Interpretation
Desiring something can make it seem more valuable than it is, and obtaining it may lead to disappointment.
This quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald reflects the notion that the anticipation of wanting something can often be more intense and fulfilling than actually attaining it. Once our desires are fulfilled, the reality may not live up to the expectations, leading to a sense of loss and disillusionment, as the value we placed on it diminishes in the face of reality.
In practice
During a motivational speech about understanding the nature of desires.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
Certainly, possessions, money, and power can give a momentary thrill, the illusion of being happy, but they end up possessing us and making us always want to have more, never satisfied. ‘Put on Christ’ in your life, place your trust in him, and you will never be disappointed!
They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little.
Wine gives strength to weary men.
So your emotional state really has a lot to do with what you're thinking about and what you're paying attention to.
He who knows he is a fool is not the biggest fool; He who knows he is confused is not in the worst confusion.
The desire is thy prayers; and if thy desire is without ceasing, thy prayer will also be without ceasing. The continuance of your longing is the continuance of your prayer.
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