I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment rather than overthinking or preparing excessively.
Jane Austen's quote suggests that the pursuit of happiness can often be hindered by unnecessary preparation and hesitation. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or scenario, one should embrace joy and pleasure in the present, as excessive planning can lead to missed opportunities for happiness.
Themes
HappinessPleasureEnjoymentPresentOverthinking
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a motivational speech about living in the moment.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes βNobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
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