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Human kind cannot bear much reality.
T. S. Eliot
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People struggle to accept the full truth of their existence.

This quote by T. S. Eliot suggests that humans often find it difficult to confront and accept the harsh realities of life. The complexities and burdens of truth can be overwhelming, leading people to seek comfort in illusions or distractions rather than facing what is real.

Themes

RealityTruthHuman NatureExistence

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the importance of facing difficult truths, this quote could illustrate the struggle individuals have with acceptance.

More from T. S. Eliot

There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
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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 allβ€” 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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