“How do you resign yourself to something that will never be? You stop wanting just that thing. You go numb. Or you kill the agent of desire.”

Analysis of Quote by Jenny Holzer

In this quote by artist Jenny Holzer, she explores the concept of resignation and letting go of unattainable desires. Holzer suggests that in order to come to terms with the fact that something will never be, one must either stop wanting that thing altogether, become emotionally numb, or remove the source of desire. This quote speaks to the emotional struggles and complexities of longing for something that is out of reach.

Finding Peace in Letting Go

In this quote by contemporary artist Jenny Holzer, she explores the idea of coming to terms with unattainable desires. In modern society, where the pressure to constantly strive for more can be overwhelming, Holzer's words serve as a reminder that sometimes finding peace means letting go of the things that will never be.

Jenny Holzer on Resignation

"“How do you resign yourself to something that will never be? You stop wanting just that thing. You go numb. Or you kill the agent of desire.” - Jenny Holzer"

Reflection Questions:

Reflecting on this quote by Jenny Holzer, consider the following questions to explore your thoughts and feelings on resigning yourself to something that may never be:

1. Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to accept that something you wanted would never come to fruition? How did you cope with this realization?

2. What emotions arise for you when considering the idea of "killing the agent of desire" to release yourself from unattainable desires?

3. In what ways can letting go of specific desires or expectations lead to personal growth and acceptance in your life?

4. How do you differentiate between resignation as a form of surrender versus resignation as a form of self-preservation or empowerment?

5. How do you think individuals can find a balance between pursuing their desires and accepting when certain desires may never be fulfilled?