There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Our emotions Are only “incidents” In the effort to keep day and night together.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that our emotions are transient events in the broader context of life, which is a continuous cycle of day and night.
T. S. Eliot's quote reflects the philosophical idea that emotions are fleeting and serve as mere 'incidents' in our journey through life. He likens life to the day-night cycle, emphasizing that while emotions may rise and fall like the sun and moon, they are part of a larger, ongoing experience. This perspective invites us to view our feelings with a sense of detachment, understanding that they contribute to the overall rhythm of existence rather than define it.
Themes
EmotionsLifePhilosophyTransienceExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on emotional resilience, one might quote this to illustrate the temporary nature of feelings.
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?
T. S. EliotRead
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
T. S. EliotRead
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