QuoteProject
We've had enough." He took back the report and jammed it under his arm. "We've had a bellyful, in fact." "And like everyone who's had enough," said Control as Alleline noisily left the room, "he wants more.
John Le Carre
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that when one reaches a limit, they often still desire more, reflecting a paradox of human satisfaction.

In this quote, John Le Carré explores the complex nature of human desires and dissatisfaction. The phrase 'We've had enough' implies a feeling of saturation or fatigue, yet the response emphasizes a contrasting truth: that reaching a limit can ignite a stronger craving for more. This duality speaks to the human condition, which often finds itself in a cycle of wanting despite having enough, revealing the insatiable nature of desire and ambition.

Themes

DesireSatisfactionHuman ConditionParadoxAmbition

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about consumerism and the endless desire for more material goods.

More from John Le Carre

I began writing when I was still in the British Foreign Service, and it was then understood that even if you wrote about butterfly collecting, you used another name.
John Le CarreRead
In every war zone that I've been in, there has been a reality and then there has been the public perception of why the war was being fought. In every crisis, the issues have been far more complex than the public has been allowed to know.
John Le CarreRead
The cat sat on the mat is not a story. The cat sat on the other cat’s mat is a story.
John Le CarreRead
The monsters of our childhood do not fade away, neither are they ever wholly monstrous.
John Le CarreRead
Coming home from very lonely places, all of us go a little mad: whether from great personal success, or just an all-night drive, we are the sole survivors of a world no one else has ever seen.
John Le CarreRead
If I had to put a name to it, I would wish that all my books were entertainments. I think the first thing you've got to do is grab the reader by the ear, and make him sit down and listen. Make him laugh, make him feel. We all want to be entertained at a very high level.
John Le CarreRead

Similar quotes

Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned; yet we have not advanced one inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Death laid its eggs in the wound
Federico Garcia LorcaRead
I've been so thoroughly incorporated into the California culture that I practice meditation and go to a therapist, even though I always set a trap: during my meditation I invent stories to keep from being bored, and in therapy I invent stories to keep from boring the psychologist.
Isabel AllendeRead
Interdependence is a higher value than independence
Stephen CoveyRead
Capital as such is not evil; it is its wrong use that is evil. Capital in some form or other will always be needed.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thomas AquinasRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.