Possession diminishes perception of value, immediately.
More from John Updike
Perfectionism is the enemy of creation, as extreme self-solicitude is the enemy of well-being.
Permalink to quote #99 Swallow a toad in the morning and you will encounter nothing more disgusting the rest of the day.
Permalink to quote #101 Natural beauty is essentially temporary and sad; hence the impression of obscene mockery which artificial flowers give us
Permalink to quote #98