The quote "There are few things we should keenly desire if we really knew what we wanted" is a profound statement that prompts us to deeply introspect our desires and wants. It suggests that often our desires are not born out of true understanding of our needs, but rather out of impulse, societal pressure, or superficial wants. If we were to truly understand what we want, the number of things we desire would be significantly less.

This quote encourages us to differentiate between our needs and wants, and to focus on what truly matters. It implies that a lot of our desires are fueled by external influences rather than our own intrinsic needs and priorities.

In today’s world, this idea is highly relevant. We live in a consumer-driven society where we’re constantly bombarded with advertisements and societal pressures, pushing us to desire more and more. This can lead to a never-ending cycle of consumption, dissatisfaction, and the pursuit of the next best thing.

In terms of personal development, this quote can guide us to focus on self-awareness and introspection. It encourages us to question our desires and wants, to understand whether they are truly ours or whether they are imposed by external factors. It can help us in making more mindful choices, leading to a more fulfilled and content life.

Furthermore, understanding our true wants can help us streamline our efforts and resources towards achieving them. This can lead to improved productivity, better time management, and ultimately, a more satisfying and meaningful life.