If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

change world improvement pleasure enjoyment

About E. B. White

Portrait of E. B. White

Elwyn Brooks White (July 11, 1899 – October 1, 1985) was an American writer, essayist, and a contributing editor for The New Yorker magazine. He was also the author of highly popular books for children: Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte's Web (1952), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970).

More quotations from E. B. White

There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an agreement.

politics countries agreement disagreement

Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested, and the frog dies of it.

The trouble with the profit system has always been that it is highly unprofitable to most people.

equality capitalism

The time in our own life when we came closest to being convinced by silence was one time at sea in a light fall of snow. We heard nothing — no gravel, no wind, no waves, no wolves, no bell buoy. It was convincing and it was beautiful.

beauty silence quiet convincing

I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority.

More quotations tagged with “enjoyment”

He that would enjoy life and act with freedom must have the work of the day continually before his eyes.

—James Clerk Maxwell

freedom enjoyment work

It is the fight alone that pleases us, not the victory.

—Blaise Pascal

enjoyment fighting victory

I don't very much enjoy looking at paintings in general. I know too much about them. I take them apart.

—Georgia O'Keeffe

knowledge enjoyment art

Her life was beginning to make sense again, although she couldn't say that she was enjoying it. But her mind was clear, and her heart was not constantly as heavy. Only when she thought about him. But she knew that in time, she'd survive it. She had done it before and would again. Eventually the heart repairs.

—Danielle Steel in Miracle

life relationships enjoyment healing break-ups

I love you, and more than that, I like you. I enjoy spending time with you.

—Nicholas Sparks in The Lucky One

love enjoyment pleasant company