No pleasure is worth giving up for the sake of two more years in a geriatric ward.
Meaning
Amis emphasizes enjoying life rather than sacrificing everything for longevity.
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(1922–1995) was an English novelist, poet, and critic known for his satirical works. His debut novel "Lucky Jim" became a defining work of post-war British literature. Amis’s writing often critiques academic life, social norms, and cultural changes with humor and irony. Over his career, he produced a wide range of novels, essays, and reviews. Kingsley Amis’s influence continues in modern British literature, particularly in satire and comic fiction.
Why This Quote Matters
This quote sits well alongside other thoughts on Strength from Kingsley Amis. The through-line is simple: Amis emphasizes enjoying life rather than sacrificing everything for longevity.
It pairs well with small experiments: one habit change, one honest conversation. That’s usually enough to shift how a day unfolds.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Instead of a resolution, try a single rule tied to Life for seven days. Trade perfection for frequency; showing up matters more than the form it takes.
The version that survives a bad week is the one worth keeping. One step, repeated, is the entire strategy.
Related quotes
-
“Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.”
Meaning: True freedom lies in how individuals respond to circumstances. Even when situations are imposed, one still has the power to choose their reaction. -
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
Meaning: It highlights influence of behavior. -
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
Meaning: This highlights the true cost of things in terms of time and effort. -
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Meaning: Le Guin highlights that experiences along the way are more important than the destination itself. Growth happens during the process. -
“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.”
Meaning: Purpose gives strength to endure suffering. Having meaning in life helps individuals overcome even the toughest challenges. -
“Silence is sometimes the loudest answer.”
Meaning: Not all situations require words. Silence can communicate boundaries, understanding, or disinterest more effectively than speech. This quote highlights the power of restraint. -
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty.”
Meaning: Le Guin suggests that uncertainty is not a flaw but a fundamental part of existence. It creates possibilities, growth, and change, making life dynamic and meaningful. -
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.”
Meaning: Life is about meaningful moments, not length. -
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
Meaning: Rest is essential for productivity and growth.