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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote compares romantic pursuit to chasing a shadow, showing how desire often eludes us.
In plain terms
Chasing something makes it run away, but leaving it alone brings it closer.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes letting go attracts what you want more than chasing does.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • negotiation
  • career goals

Putting it to work

  • practice detachment
  • focus on self
  • avoid obsession

Questions to consider

  • Does chasing love ruin it?
  • Why do we value what we can't have?

Another view

Some goals require persistent effort rather than passive waiting.

More from Ben Jonson

  1. Come my Celia, let us prove, While we can, the sports of love; Time will not be ours forever, He at length our good will sever. Spend not then his gifts in vai…

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  2. Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup And I'll not look for wine. The thirst that from the soul doth ri…

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  3. Underneath this stone doth lie As much beauty as could die; Which in life did harbor give To more virtue than doth live.

    Permalink to quote #26

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