We do not obtain the most precious gifts by going in search of them but by waiting for them. Man cannot discover them by his own powers, and if he sets out to seek for them he will find in their place counterfeits of which he will be unable to discern falsity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Precious gifts come through waiting, not active seeking; searching yields imitations we cannot recognize.
- In plain terms
- Waiting brings true gifts; searching brings fakes we can’t spot.
- What can you take from it?
- Practice patience to receive authentic blessings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is active pursuit more effective than waiting?
- How can we distinguish genuine gifts from imitations?
Another view
Some goals require proactive effort rather than passive waiting.
More from Simone Weil
Above all our thought should be empty, waiting, not seeking anything, but ready to receive in its naked truth the object that is to penetrate it. All wrong tra…
Permalink to quote #59 The capacity to give one's attention to a sufferer is a very rare and difficult thing; it is almost a miracle; it is a miracle. Nearly all those who think they…
Permalink to quote #61 Attention consists of suspending our thought, leaving it detached, empty, and ready to be penetrated by the object; it means holding in our minds, within reach…
Permalink to quote #58
Related quotes
It is a mark of insincerity of purpose to spend one's time in looking for the sacred Emperor in the low-class tea-shops.
Ernest BramahErnest Bramah quote #1 Seize every opportunity you have to learn. Keep your eyes and ears wide open and seize life - don't let the moments slip through your fingers like a fistful of…
Richie SamboraRichie Sambora quote #3 A zealous disciple expressed a desire to teach others the Truth and asked the Master what he thought about this. The Master said, 'Wait.' Each year the discipl…
Anthony de MelloAnthony de Mello quote #3