What does this quote mean..?!?!?

Question

"That which we obtain too easily we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives its value." Do we value only what we struggle for?
Can someone give me examples of a situation in which this was true?

Answer 1

If you worked a long time to buy a car , you would appreciate that car. But if you were given the car from say your parents, you would not appreciate its value.

Answer 2

It's not that we ONLY value what we struggle for, but we do put more value on what takes a lot longer to obtain.

I have been trying for years to have a child--gone through failed pregnancy attempt after failed pregnancy attempt. I have dealt with the pain and frustration. Now, am in the final process of adopting a child. There is nothing more satisfying for me in finally becoming a mother. I know I will cherish this child with all my heart--because I waited so long for her to enter my life. It makes it that much sweeter to have gone through those trials--I know I won't be sweating the small stuff with her, just enjoying watching her grow and spending time with her.

Answer 3

Wow, I could give you a million examples from my life, lol... Me and my mom have been stuck without a house, a car, a refrigerator, beds to sleep in, etc. My stepdad cheated on my mom, so we had to leave all of a sudden, and we couldn't get our stuff. We had to start over from nothing, and now we are so humble and grateful for our family and everything we've worked for. It's been a struggle. I believe that quote is right. There are people who get what they want all the time, but are never satisfied because they don't know how lucky they are. Hope this helps...

Answer 4

For example: when you teach a child to work for and earn a special treat (i.e. bicycle), once they have the item, they tend to take care of it because they know how much work it would be to replace. When things are handed on a silver platter, it seems like they grow on trees so it doesn't matter if it's quickly broken or stolen, etc. Mom/dad/grandma/grandpa will replace it in a minute.

Politically, our hard-fought-for freedom is valuable and should be protected. It becomes particularly clear with every soldier who dies defending our freedoms. A life is too valuable to risk for less.

Answer 5

All this is saying is that we dont value things as much when they are given to us than when we earn them or work for them. For example, if you were given a car from your parents...would you treat it the same if they paid everything for it as you would if you had to work for years to earn the money to buy it and then keep it up?

Answer 6

It is like... when you get something with your own hard work, you value it as you know how tough it was to get it but if someone gives you that very same object, you do not value it.

Answer 7

This is why communism wouldn't work. Everything is free and nothing will be taken care of. If you work for something (like a TV or a car) that is your property, you will value it more and take care of it.

Answer 8

There are some good examples mentioned, and I don't think I can top them, but it does remind me of the quote:

"Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a life-time."

It does tie in a little of you think about it.

Answer 9

Well, if daddy buys you a car, you're sure not gonna take it of it the way you would if you had to go out and earn $16,000 yourself. People tend to appreciate more what they have attained thru their own efforts

Answer 10

This is not an answer. This is a comment that you people have just read the answer of a very old, young lady. I'm that chi is wise beyond her years.
Vaya con DIOS