thirst and ... mirage

The appearance of water in a mirage persists after the fact

 that it is a mirage has dawned on us. 

So it is with the world. 

Though knowing it to be unreal,

 it continues to manifest - 

but we do not try to satisfy our thirst

 with the water of the mirage. 

As soon as one knows that it is a mirage, 

one gives it up as useless and does not run after it to get water. 

~ Ramana Maharshi