The quote, “A pleasure long expected is dear enough sold,” essentially means that something we’ve eagerly anticipated for a long time becomes even more valuable to us. Its based on the principle of delayed gratification,where one postpones immediate satisfaction or rewards in order to gain something more valuable or fulfilling later on. The longer we wait for something and the more effort we put into achieving it, the sweeter and dearer its attainment becomes.
The quote encapsulates two key ideas: expectation and value. Expectation amplifies our emotional response to an event; when we look forward to something, our joy is heightened when it finally arrives. Conversely, value is derived from scarcity or difficulty in acquisition; things that are hard-earned or waited upon are ofen perceived as more valuable.
In today’s fast-paced world where instant gratification is frequently enough sought after, this quote can serve as a reminder about the importance of patience and perseverance. In personal development terms, it could be applied to setting long-term goals such as pursuing higher education degrees, saving up for a dream house or car etc., which require considerable time and effort but yield great satisfaction upon achievement.
Moreover, it can also refer to intangible aspects like waiting for true love instead of settling for less fulfilling relationships or working hard towards personal growth instead of seeking speedy fixes. The idea behind this principle can lead individuals towards better decision-making processes by teaching them about the worthiness of waiting and striving hard over easy gains.
herbert’s quote serves as a timeless reminder that good things come with time and patience – an idea that remains relevant in both personal development contexts and broader societal norms today.