O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pain of separation is often felt more by those left behind than by those who leave.
This quote highlights the emotional toll of parting ways, suggesting that while those who depart may feel liberated or distracted by new experiences, it is the individuals who remain in a situation or relationship that endure the deeper sorrow of loss. It reflects on the nature of relationships and the complex emotions involved when people take different paths in life.
Themes
PartingSadnessRelationshipsSufferingLoss
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a farewell gathering to express the mixed emotions of leaving friends.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes βThere are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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