This quote suggests that a sentimentalist is someone who wants to experience the intensity of emotions without bearing the consequences or responsibilities that come with it. They are drawn to the thrill and drama of strong feelings but are unwilling to deal with the potential fallout or aftermath. It’s a form of emotional hedonism, where one seeks out emotional highs for their own sake, without considering the costs or consequences.

In essence, the quote is a critique of superficiality and emotional escapism. It’s about people who want the benefits of deep emotional experiences – the excitement, the intensity, the sense of being alive – but who don’t want to deal with the less pleasant aspects of such experiences – the heartbreak, the disappointment, the pain.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see this behavior often in the realm of social media. People post about their perfect relationships, their perfect vacations, their perfect lives, seeking the emotional high of approval and admiration from others, without necessarily dealing with the realities and challenges that come with those experiences.

In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder that genuine emotional growth comes from fully experiencing all aspects of emotions, not just the pleasurable ones. It suggests that trying to cherry-pick our emotional experiences, to feel the good without the bad, is not just unrealistic but also shallow. True emotional maturity and depth come from accepting and dealing with the full spectrum of our emotional lives.