So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the struggle against the relentless flow of time and the past's impact on our present lives.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote illustrates the constant struggle individuals face as they navigate their lives, much like boats fighting against a current. It highlights the idea that, despite our efforts to move forward and evolve, we are often pulled back by our memories and past experiences. This interplay between aspiration and the weight of history serves as a profound reminder of the complexities of human existence.
In practice
In a graduation speech to motivate students about their future endeavors.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
The dogma of woman's complete historical subjection to men must be rated as one of the most fantastic myths ever created by the human mind.
That which makes you want more money is the same as that which makes the plant grow; it is life seeking fuller expression.
Misery is what happiness rests upon. Happiness is what misery lurks beneath.
The accusing spirit, which flew up to heaven's chancery with the oath, blushed as he gave it in; and the recording angel as he wrote it down dropped a tear upon the word and blotted it out forever.
Everyone is a reactionary about subjects he understands.
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