If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
Cast a cold eye on life, on death Horseman pass by
Interpretation
The quote suggests a detached perspective on life and death, implying one should observe without being emotionally involved.
William Butler Yeats's quote encourages individuals to adopt a cold, analytical view of both life and death. The imagery of a 'horseman' passing by implies a sense of inevitability and distance, urging us to recognize the transient nature of existence and to observe it without emotional interference. This perspective allows for a more profound understanding of lifeβs fleeting moments and the unavoidable reality of death.
In practice
In a philosophy class while discussing existentialism.
If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
It was my first meeting with a philosophy that confirmed my vague speculations and seemed at once logical and boundless.
But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
For he would be thinking of love Till the stars had run away And the shadows eaten the moon.
Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
Our true reality is in our identity and unity with all life.
But I'm a bad priest, you see. I know--from experience--how much beauty Satan carried down with him when he fell. Nobody ever said the fallen angels were the ugly ones. Oh, no, they were just as quick and light and . . .
Five minutes are enough to dream a whole life, that is how relative time is.
Gentlemen, welcome to the world of reality β there is no audience. No one to applaud, to admire. No one to see you. Do you understand? Here is the truth β actual heroism receives no ovation, entertains no one. No one queues up to see it. No one is interested.
Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.
The next time you experience a blackout, take some solace by looking at the sky. You will not recognize it.
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