Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Regret often grows from past pleasures that were not carefully considered.
In plain terms
Doing things just for fun can lead to sadness later.
What can you take from it?
Think before you enjoy things without care.

Where it applies

  • bad habits
  • impulsive choices
  • reflection

Putting it to work

  • weigh choices
  • avoid excess
  • learn from past

Questions to consider

  • What regrets come from fun?
  • How do you choose pleasure?

Another view

Some pleasure is worth the regret.

More from William Cowper

  1. Lights of the world, and stars of human race.

    Permalink to quote #34
  2. How much a dunce that has been sent to roam Excels a dunce that has been kept at home!

    Permalink to quote #36
  3. Low ambition and the thirst of praise.

    Permalink to quote #33

Related quotes

  1. What one refuses in a minute No eternity will return.

    Friedrich von SchillerFriedrich von Schiller quote #9
  2. Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure; Married in haste, we may repent at leisure.

    William CongreveWilliam Congreve quote #10
  3. We pay when old for the excesses of youth.

    Joseph PriestleyJoseph Priestley quote #18