The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Life rarely matches our plans, and regret comes from comparing reality to our unfulfilled intentions.
- In plain terms
- Life often does not match our plans, and looking back can make us feel we failed.
- What can you take from it?
- Expectations often clash with reality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much of your life aligns with your plans?
- Is it better to aim high and miss or aim low and hit?
Another view
It assumes intent always defines value over outcome.
More from J. M. Barrie
Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
Permalink to quote #8 Your heart is as fresh as your face; and that is well. The useless men are those who never change with the years. Many views that I held to in my youth and lon…
Permalink to quote #10 One's religion is whatever he is most interested in, and yours is Success.
Permalink to quote #7
Related quotes
The best laid schemes o' mice and men Gang aft a-gley; And leave us naught but grief and pain For promised joy.
Robert BurnsRobert Burns quote #4 Fiction gives us a second chance that life denies us.
Paul TherouxPaul Theroux quote #1 Forse, se tu gustassi anco una volta La millesima parte de la gioie Che gusta un cor amato riamando, Diresti, ripentita, sospirando: Perduto e tutto il tempo C…
Torquato TassoTorquato Tasso quote #1