It is very much easier to extinguish a first desire than to satisfy those which follow it.

It is impossible to abolish either with a law or an axe the desires of men.

We do not succeed in changing things according to our desire, but gradually our desire changes.

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Make us, not fly to dreams, but moderate desire.

Men have a thousand desires to a bushel of choices.

Those desires that do not bring pain if they are not satisfied are not necessary; and they are easily thrust aside whenever to satisfy them appears difficult or likely to cause injury.

If you desire many things, many things will seem but a few.

Modern man lives under the illusion that he knows what he wants, while he actually wants what he is supposed to want.

Our desires, once realized, haunt us again less readily.