"We do not know what to do with this short life, yet we want another which will be eternal"

Anatole France's quote, "We do not understand what to do with this short life, yet we desire another which will be eternal", works as a poignant reflection on humanity's paradoxical propensities and the existential quandaries we deal with. At its core, this remark highlights the paradox of human desire: the longing for an immortality in spite of struggling to meaningfully harness the finite time we already have.

First of all, the quote highlights a typical existential dilemma-- the failure to find function or direction within the restraints of our minimal life-span. Many individuals drift through life without a clear sense of what they wish to achieve or who they wish to become. This lack of instructions can lead to a feeling of aimlessness, where individuals indulge in everyday routines without intentionality or deep fulfillment.

Yet, despite this uncertainty and confusion about how to live totally in today, there is a prevalent yearning for immortality or immortality. This desire is prevalent in various cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions, where the concept of an afterlife or a continuation of presence is a main theme. It reflects mankind's deep-seated fear of oblivion, a resistance to the finality of death, and an inherent impulse for self-preservation.

In a wider sense, France's observation can be analyzed as a call to action. Possibly the difficulty lies in reconciling this paradox by making every effort to live actively and meaningfully in the here and now. Rather of yearning for eternity, we may better invest our energies in comprehending our real desires, cultivating relationships, pursuing enthusiasms, and contributing favorably to the world.

Eventually, France's quote prompts us to ponder our priorities and redefine what genuinely matters. It motivates introspection about how we can lead lives of significance and complete satisfaction, regardless of their short-term nature, and concerns whether our desire for permanence may diminish enjoying the short lived charm of our present presence.