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About this quote

What does it mean?
All desire originates from need, which stems from lack and consequently brings suffering.
In plain terms
Desire comes from lacking something, leading to suffering.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the root of desire to alleviate suffering.

Where it applies

  • consumerism
  • personal ambition

Putting it to work

  • practice contentment
  • address underlying needs

Questions to consider

  • How can we transform lack‑driven desire into constructive action?
  • Is all desire harmful?

Another view

Desire can also motivate progress and creativity, not just suffering.

More from Arthur Schopenhauer

  1. Every human perfection is linked to an error which it threatens to turn into.

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  2. Es gibt nur eine Heilkraft, und das ist die Natur; in Salben und Pillen steckt keine. Hochstens konnen sie der Heilkraft der Natur einen Wink geben, wo etwas f…

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  3. Jede menschliche Vollkommenheit ist einem Fehler verwandt, in welchen uberzugehn sie droht.

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