Where there is no power… there is never any desire to do a thing; and where there is strong desire to do a thing… the power to do it is strong.
—Wallace Wattles (1860–1911) American New Thought Author
If I had a prayer, it would be this: “God, spare me from the desire for love, approval, or appreciation. Amen”.
—Byron Katie (b.1942) American Speaker, Author
For the resolute and determined, there is time and opportunity.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Each man has his own desires; all do not possess the same inclinations.
—Persius (34–62 CE) Roman Satirist
Limit your desires and you will improve your health.
—Spanish Proverb
He who desires but does not act, breeds pestilence.
—William Blake (1757–1827) English Poet, Painter, Printmaker
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
However rich or elevated we may be, a nameless something is always wanting to our imperfect fortune.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
Every time I look at you I get a fierce desire to be lonesome.
—Oscar Levant (1906–72) American Musician, Composer, Author, Comedian, Actor
From the desert I come to thee, On a stallion shod with fire; And the winds are left behind In the speed of my desire.
—Bayard Taylor (1825–78) American Poet, Literary Critic, Translator, Translator
All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
—James Allen (1864–1912) British Philosophical Writer
In all ranks of life the human heart yearns for the beautiful; and the beautiful things that God makes are his gift to all alike.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–96) American Abolitionist, Author
The fewer our wants the more we resemble the Gods.
—Socrates (469BCE–399BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher
Just as a fire is covered by smoke and a mirror is obscured by dust, just as the embryo rests deep within the womb, wisdom is hidden by selfish desire.
—The Bhagavad Gita Hindu Scripture
To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying “Amen” to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
Desire is the essence of a man.
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied, and most men live only for the gratification of it.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
The way you create any outcome in your life is to hold the vision of your deepest desires. At the same time, though, you must honestly and accurately assess your current situation and how it relates to your greater vision. By doing this, you engage tension between what is and what can be. This tension is the primary creative force behind the manifestation of any outcome. It’s as natural and powerful as the force of gravity.
—David Emerald
Events are influenced by our very great desires.
—William James (1842–1910) American Philosopher, Psychologist, Physician
Desire is the presentiment of our inner abilities, and the forerunner of our ultimate accomplishments.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
And desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
The number one reason most people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want. Rich people are totally clear that they want wealth. They are unwavering in their desire. They are fully committed to creating wealth. As long as it’s legal, moral, and ethical, they will do whatever it takes to have wealth. Rich people do not send mixed messages to the universe. Poor people do.
—T. Harv Eker (b.1954) American Motivational Speaker, Lecturer, Author
You can have anything you want—if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, have anything you desire, accomplish anything you set out to accomplish—if you will hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.
—Robert Collier (1885–1950) American Self-Help Author
There is a supply for every demand.
—Florence Scovel Shinn (1871–1940) American Illustrator, Spiritual Writer
A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
All human activity is prompted by desire.
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
We are always striving for things forbidden, and coveting those denied us.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet