Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
He trudged along unknowing what he sought, And whistled as he went, for want of thought.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea of moving through life without a clear purpose, yet maintaining a lighthearted attitude.
In this quote by John Dryden, the imagery of trudging along suggests a sense of effort and endurance in one's journey through life. The character is depicted as wandering aimlessly, symbolizing the many individuals who pursue life without a defined goal. The whistling adds a whimsical touch, suggesting that despite uncertainty or a lack of direction, one can still find joy and maintain a positive outlook.
Themes
LifePurposeJourneyJoyUncertainty
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about embracing life's unpredictability.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
Similar quotes
From our birthday, until we die, Is but the winking of an eye.
William Butler YeatsRead
If I was a parent or a kid, I would need a cell phone, and those things are invaluable, but my kids are out of the house now, and I am thrilled when I wake up to not have a cell phone, and feel like today is stretching out in front of me for 1,000 hours, as it seems.
Pico IyerRead
I don’t think of work as work and play as play. It’s all living.
Richard BransonRead
Percy’d heard stories about amputees who had phantom pains where their missing legs and arms used to be. That’s how his mind felt—like his missing memories were aching.
Rick RiordanRead
I look into mother's stomach, wonder if you are a boy or a girl_x000D_ _x000D_ Turnin' this woman's womb into a tomb_x000D_ _x000D_ But she and I agree, a seed we don't need_x000D_ _x000D_ You would've been much more than a mouth to feed_x000D_ _x000D_ But someone I would've fed this information I read_x000D_ _x000D_ To someone my life for you I would've had to leave_x000D_ _x000D_ Instead I led you to death.
CommonRead
It's a pleasure to share one's memories. Everything remembered is dear, endearing, touching, precious. At least the past is safe though we didn't know it at the time. We know it now. Because it's in the past; because we have survived.
Susan SontagRead