The desire to know a thing is heightened by it's gratification being deferred

The desire to know a thing is heightened by it's gratification being deferred

Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher, is known for his insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. His works, particularly his encyclopedic Natural History, reflect his deep interest in the natural world and his desire to understand and document all aspects of it. Pliny believed that the desire to know a thing is heightened by its gratification being deferred, a concept that is evident in his own life and work.

Pliny's belief in the importance of delayed gratification in the pursuit of knowledge can be seen in his meticulous research and writing process. He spent years collecting information from a wide range of sources, including personal observations, interviews with experts, and written accounts from other scholars. This painstaking approach to gathering information allowed him to create a comprehensive and detailed record of the natural world that was unmatched in his time.

Pliny's dedication to his work and his willingness to defer gratification in order to achieve his goals is a testament to his belief in the value of knowledge for its own sake. He understood that true understanding and mastery of a subject required time, effort, and patience, and he was willing to put in the work necessary to achieve his intellectual pursuits.

Pliny's belief in the importance of deferred gratification in the pursuit of knowledge is also reflected in his writing style. His Natural History is a vast and sprawling work that covers a wide range of topics, from astronomy and geography to botany and zoology. Pliny's willingness to delve deeply into each subject and explore it from multiple angles demonstrates his commitment to thoroughness and his belief that true knowledge comes from a comprehensive understanding of a topic.