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"It's very good jam," said the Queen. "Well, I don't want any to-day, at any rate." "You couldn't have it if you did want it," the Queen said. "The rule is jam tomorrow and jam yesterday but never jam to-day." "It must come sometimes to "jam to-day,""Alice objected. "No it can't," said the Queen. "It's jam every other day; to-day isn't any other day, you know." "I don't understand you," said Alice. "It's dreadfully confusing."
Lewis Carroll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote illustrates the idea of longing for something that is promised but never received in the present.

In this quote from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', the dialogue between Alice and the Queen reflects the frustrations of waiting for something that never arrives. The concept of 'jam tomorrow and jam yesterday but never jam today' symbolizes the human tendency to delay gratification and the often elusive nature of what we desire. It suggests that there will always be barriers preventing us from enjoying the present moment, as we continuously look to the future or dwell in the past, ultimately leading to confusion and frustration.

Themes

JamConfusionPresentFutureDesire

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote to illustrate the futility of procrastination at a motivational seminar.

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