I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
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'.
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
All quotes βI'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
E. E. CummingsRead
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
E. E. CummingsRead
When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
E. E. CummingsRead
The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
E. E. CummingsRead
Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
E. E. CummingsRead
Similar quotes
We cannot forever hide the truth about ourselves from ourselves.
John MccainRead
Dear Sir: Regarding your article 'What's Wrong with the World?' I am. Yours truly.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
What I am fighting is the idea that charity is a moral duty and a primary virtue.
Ayn RandRead
Make us worthy Lord to serve our fellow men throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands this day their daily bread and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.
Mother TeresaRead
Greed is an imperfection that defiles the mind; hate is an imperfection that defiles the mind; delusion is an imperfection that defiles the mind.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The foundation of individual rights is the assumption that people have wants and needs and are authorities on what those wants and needs are. If people's stated desires were just some kind of erasable inscription or reprogrammable brainwashing, any atrocity could be justified.
Steven PinkerRead