There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Between the desire And the spasm, Between the potency And the existence, Between the essence And the descent, Falls the Shadow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the complexities and contradictions of existence, emphasizing the gap between aspirations and reality.
T.S. Eliot's quote explores the idea that between various states of being—such as desire and reality, potency and existence—there is a 'Shadow' that represents the uncertainties and difficulties we face. This 'Shadow' symbolizes the challenges, doubts, and fears that can hinder us from achieving our full potential and realizing our desires, highlighting the human struggle against the intangible barriers that separate aspiration from fulfillment.
Themes
DesireExistenceShadowPotencyEssenceReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes →Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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