Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Is that a birthday? 'tis, alas! too clear; 'Tis but the funeral of the former year.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the bittersweet nature of birthdays, suggesting that they mark the end of one year rather than solely celebrating the new one.
In this quote, Alexander Pope poignantly captures the duality of birthdays, portraying them not just as celebrations of life but also as reminders of the passage of time and the inevitable loss of the previous year. The phrase suggests a sense of melancholy, as each birthday signifies both growth and the end of experiences that are now in the past, underlining the importance of cherishing moments while acknowledging their fleeting nature.
Themes
BirthdayCelebrationLifeTimeLoss
In practice
Example use cases
During a birthday toast, one could use this quote to remind guests to appreciate the time spent with loved ones.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Alexander PopeRead
Similar quotes
Because I grew up in such tight spaces, I don't get manicures, pedicures. I'm not into cars, but I am into a fabulous house. I wanted the spiral staircase, clean sheets on the bed, to be able to take a shower.
Viola DavisRead
And life 's enchanted cup but sparkles near the brim.
Lord ByronRead
Oh, ever thus, from childhood's hour, I 've seen my fondest hopes decay; I never loved a tree or flower But 't was the first to fade away. I never nurs'd a dear gazelle, To glad me with its soft black eye, But when it came to know me well And love me, it was sure to die.
Charles LambRead
If I had my life to live over, instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished ever moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
Erma BombeckRead
We live in a flash of light; evening comes and it is night forever. It's only a flash and we waste it. We waste it with our anxiety, our worries, our concerns, our burdens.
Anthony De MelloRead
Some of it's magic and some of it's tragic but I had a good life all the way.
Jimmy BuffettRead