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The three saddest things are the ill wanting to be well, the poor wanting to be rich, and the constant traveler saying 'anywhere but here'.
E. E. Cummings
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the unfulfilled desires of people and their yearning for what they lack.

E. E. Cummings highlights the deep sadness experienced by individuals who long for things they cannot have, whether it be health, wealth, or a sense of belonging. The quote suggests that these unfulfilled desires often lead to a sense of discontent and restlessness in life, as people constantly yearn for a reality different from their own.

Themes

DesireContentmentWealthHealthRestlessness

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about the importance of gratitude.

More from E. E. Cummings

I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
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I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
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When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
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The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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