Visions of glory, spare my aching sight! Ye unborn ages, crowd not on my soul!
Thomas GrayRead
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on a peaceful and quiet life away from the chaos and struggles of society.
In this quote, Thomas Gray suggests that there exist individuals who choose to live a serene and undisturbed life, avoiding the chaos and trivial conflicts that often characterize humanity's struggles. These people, with sober wishes, find fulfillment in a tranquil existence, following their own steady paths in life, untouched by the noise of societal ambitions and conflicts.
Themes
PeaceSerenityLifeExistenceChaosNature
In practice
Example use cases
At a gathering discussing the importance of mindfulness, this quote can serve to emphasize the merits of living a calm and collected life.
More from Thomas Gray
All quotes βHere rests his head upon the lap of earth, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown: Fair Science frown'd not on his humble birth, And Melancholy mark'd him for her own.
Thomas GrayRead
Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?
Thomas GrayRead
Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shade! Ah, fields beloved in vain! Where once my careless childhood stray'd, A stranger yet to pain! I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss bestow.
Thomas GrayRead
Any fool may write a most valuable book by chance, if he will only tell us what he heard and saw with veracity.
Thomas GrayRead
Sweet is the breath of vernal shower,/ The bee's collected treasure sweet,/ Sweet music's melting fall, but sweeter yet/ The still small voice of gratitude.
Thomas GrayRead
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