We all have to lead our own life, and we only have the one life, and the only people who can live life not according to their own desires are those who have no desires–which is the majority, actually. People can say what they like, they can speak of abnegation, sacrifice, generosity, acceptance, and resignation, but it’s all false. The norm is for people to think that they desire whatever comes to them, whatever they achieve along the way or whatever is given to them–they have no preconceived desires.

We all have to lead our own life, and we only have the one life, and the only people who can live life not according to their own desires are those who have no desires–which is the majority, actually. People can say what they like, they can speak of abnegation, sacrifice, generosity, acceptance, and resignation, but it’s all false. The norm is for people to think that they desire whatever comes to them, whatever they achieve along the way or whatever is given to them–they have no preconceived desires.

– Javier Marías –

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