Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes

Odd, the years it took to learn one simple fact: that the prize just ahead, the next job, publication, love affair, marriage always seemed to hold the key to satisfaction but never, in the longer run, sufficed.

Goals incapable of attainment have driven many a man to despair, but despair is easier to get to than that -- one need merely look out of the window, for example.

On a soap, happiness never lasts for very long!

We secretly believe that if only we achieve some elusive goal - fitting into a pair of skinny jeans, or redoing our kitchen or getting that promotion - that it will make us happy. But the pain of our insecurity is hidden in all that racing around.

Our desires always disappoint us; for though we meet with something that gives us satisfaction, yet it never thoroughly answers our expectation.

I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.

I always wished for this, but it's almost turning into more of a nightmare than a dream.

The trouble with most of the things that people want is that they get them.

Many women long for what eludes them, and like not what is offered them.

Waiting and hoping are the whole of life, and as soon as a dream is realized it is destroyed.

After you get what you want you don't want it.

My dream was never to become this unattainable star.

High expectations produce high frustrations.

Sometimes, things you wish had happened don't, or there are things you wish you'd been able to do but can't.

I guess I'm just a frustrated cowboy.

Since my life has been wayward and impulsive, always a search for something that is not there, and then disillusionment, I believe I need all the excuses I can make.

I was always the kid who wanted Christmas to not come, because I realized at a pretty early age that no matter what you got, there's always a little bit of a letdown. It's like, 'Oh, gee, I wanted two ponies, not one.'

Dreams that are planned are called frustration.

I was at my most miserable when I had everything I ever wanted.

My goal is to try to be as happy as I can - going through every day just as it is.

I don't think goal setting is an important basis for a retail business - or for anyone. Most of the time goal setting puts too much energy and attention on being someplace else, instead of helping you appreciate where you are.If I ran a retail store, which I have done in my life, I would go into it from a place of "I am thrilled to be here, and I am honored to be able to serve other people." I would not be telling myself constantly that I have to double my sales in order for me to be happy. I would tell myself, "I am content to be here in this moment, and I love this work."

Wanting more is just a recipe for heartache.

It is perfectly possible to get what you think you want and be miserable. It's possible too, to never get it but deeply enjoy the process of trying. In this world, there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.

That’s life for you. All the happiness you gather to yourself, it will sweep away like it’s nothing. If you ask me I don’t think there are any such things as curses. I think there is only life. That’s enough.