An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Things often seem more desirable when we do not yet own them.
- In plain terms
- We enjoy wanting things more than we enjoy having them.
- What can you take from it?
- Desire is often stronger than possession.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you value wanting or having?
- What lost charm after you got it?
Another view
Some objects do retain their charm after acquisition.
More from Pliny the Younger
He (Pliny the Elder) used to say that 'no book was so bad but that some good might be got out of it.'
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