Wisdom  
Eric Hoffer

Craving
Life
Worth Fighting For
It is a perplexing and unpleasant truth that when men already have "something worth fighting for," they do not feel like fighting. People who live full, worthwhile lives are not usually ready to die for their own interests nor for their country nor for a holy cause. Craving, not having, is the mother of a reckless giving of oneself. "Things which are not" are indeed mightier than "things that are." In all ages men have fought most desperately for beautiful cities yet to be built and gardens yet to be planted... It is strange, indeed, that those who hug the present and hang on to it with all their might should be the least capable of defending it. And that, on the other hand, those who spurn the present and dust their hands of it should have all its gifts and treasures showered on them unasked.
   
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