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Clear, unscaleable ahead, Rise the mountains of instead From whose cold, cascading streams None may drink except in dreams
W. H. Auden
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the unattainable nature of certain aspirations, suggesting that some ideals can only be imagined rather than realized.

W. H. Auden's quote captures the essence of longing for vast and formidable goals represented by 'the mountains,' which signify dreams and aspirations that appear grand yet are out of reach. The imagery of cold, cascading streams suggests that while these dreams are alluring, they remain elusive and ungraspable in reality, reinforcing the idea that some desires live only in our imagination.

Themes

AspirationDreamsGoalsElusivenessImagination

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can inspire students debating the value of ambition when sharing dreams in a classroom setting.

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