Quote of the Day by John Berger: ‘To be desired is perhaps the closest anybody in this life can reach to feeling immortal’ - British art critic explains why everyone wants to feel unforgettable

Why do people long to be loved, admired, or chosen? Is it simply about affection, or is there something else hidden beneath that desire? A timeless quote by British novelist John Berger suggests that what we are really searching for isn't attention; it's the feeling that our existence will outlive the passing of time.

Quote of the Day by John Berger: “To be desired is perhaps the closest anybody in this life can reach to feeling immortal.”

This thought is widely associated with English writer, art critic, and philosopher John Berger. Known for exploring human relationships, art, and society with remarkable depth, Berger often wrote about emotions that shape everyday life.


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What the quote is actually suggesting

John Berger is not talking about immortality in the literal sense. Instead, he is describing the emotional power of being valued by another person. To be desired means more than being physically attractive. It can mean being loved, respected, appreciated, or chosen. When someone genuinely wants us in their life, it gives us a sense of significance, a purpose to stand for someone else. For a moment, we feel as though our existence truly matters.

The quote also reflects a universal human need, the desire to be seen and remembered. Achievements and possessions may fade over time, but meaningful relationships often leave the strongest emotional impact. Feeling wanted reassures us that our lives have touched someone else's in a lasting way.

Berger reminds us that human connection is one of life's greatest sources of meaning. It is often through love, friendship, and acceptance that people experience a sense of permanence beyond themselves.

John Berger: The thinker behind the idea

John Berger was an English writer, art critic, novelist, poet, playwright, broadcaster, and philosopher whose work encouraged readers to question the way they looked at art, politics, and society.

Born in London, Berger studied at St. Edward's School in Oxford before beginning his career as a painter in the late 1940s. His artistic background later shaped the way he wrote, allowing him to connect visual culture with everyday human experience.

In 1962, he left Britain to live in a small village in the French Alps, where he spent much of the rest of his life writing. Berger gained international recognition with Ways of Seeing, first produced as a BBC television series and later published as one of the most influential books on art criticism. His experimental novel G. won the Booker Prize in 1972.

Throughout his life, Berger wrote across multiple genres, including fiction, essays, poetry, and plays. He remained an influential public intellectual until his death in 2017 at the age of 90, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire readers around the world.

John Berger's thinking style and philosophy behind the quote

John Berger believed that human experiences should never be separated from the society in which they exist. Whether he was writing about paintings, politics, or personal relationships, he encouraged people to look beneath the surface and question what truly gives life meaning.

This quote reflects that philosophy. Berger understood that people seek more than material success or public recognition. They long to feel valued by others because relationships give life emotional depth and purpose. In his view, being desired is not simply about romance; it is about feeling acknowledged, important, and connected to another human being.

His writing consistently explored how love, identity, memory, and human connection shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Why this idea still matters today

In an age of social media, many people chase likes, followers, and public approval. Yet despite being more connected than ever, loneliness and emotional isolation remain common experiences. Berger's quote offers a reminder that genuine human connection cannot be replaced by numbers on a screen. Feeling truly valued by a partner, friend, family member, or community creates a sense of belonging that external success often cannot provide.

The idea also speaks to relationships, parenting, mental well-being, and self-worth. Taking time to appreciate the people around us, and letting them know they matter, can strengthen bonds that last far longer than temporary achievements.