"The man never feels the want of what it never occurs to him to ask for"
- Arthur Schopenhauer
About this Quote
In this quote, thinker Arthur Schopenhauer is highlighting the concept that humans typically do not realize what they are missing out on or doing not have until it is given their attention. He recommends that our desires and needs are frequently shaped by our ideas and experiences, and if we do not believe to request something, we might not even recognize that we want or require it. This can be viewed as a commentary on the constraints of human understanding and the power of our minds to form our desires. It also works as a reminder to be unbiased and reflective, as there may be things we are missing out on merely because we have not thought to request them.
About the Author