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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life has two main sorrows: never getting what you want, and getting what you want.
In plain terms
Desiring something and not getting it is sad; getting it can also be sad.
What can you take from it?
Both unfulfilled desire and fulfillment can bring tragedy.

Where it applies

  • life choices
  • personal goals

Putting it to work

  • goal setting
  • managing expectations

Questions to consider

  • Is getting what you want always good?
  • How do you find satisfaction?

Another view

This assumes fulfillment always leads to dissatisfaction or boredom.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. What is virtue but the Trade Unionism of the married?

    Permalink to quote #108
  2. The golden rule is that there are no golden rules.

    Permalink to quote #110
  3. An Englishman thinks he is moral when he is only uncomfortable.

    Permalink to quote #107

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