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Days, when the ball of our vision_x000D_ _x000D_ Had eagles that flew unabashed to sun;_x000D_ _x000D_ When the graps on the bow was decision,_x000D_ _x000D_ And arrow and hand and eye were one;_x000D_ _x000D_ When the Pleasures, like waves to a swimmer,_x000D_ _x000D_ Came heaving for rapture ahead! -_x000D_ _x000D_ Invoke them, they dwindle, they glimmer_x000D_ _x000D_ As lights over mounds of the dead.
George Meredith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on moments of clarity and joy in life, highlighting the perfect harmony between intention and action.

George Meredith's quote captures the essence of those rare moments in life when everything aligns perfectly, much like a skilled archer who has complete control and unity between their vision, intention, and execution. It expresses nostalgia for these peak experiences when joy is abundant, yet acknowledges that such moments can fade away, much like distant memories of the past, hinting at the impermanence of life’s pleasures.

Themes

LifeJoyExperienceHarmonyNostalgia

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech about embracing life's fleeting moments during a graduation ceremony.

More from George Meredith

A witty woman is a treasure; a witty beauty is a power.
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Not till the fire is dying in the grate, Look we for any kinship with the stars. Oh, wisdom never comes when it is gold, And the great price we paid for it full worth: We have it only when we are half earth. Little avails that coinage to the old!
George MeredithRead
Memoirs are the backstairs of history.
George MeredithRead

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Quote by George Meredith | QuoteProject