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Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
T. S. Eliot
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Humans often struggle to confront harsh truths and realities.

This quote by T. S. Eliot suggests that the human psyche has limitations when it comes to enduring and accepting the full weight of reality. It implies that people often seek escape or distraction from difficult truths, as the burden of these realities can be overwhelming.

Themes

RealityTruthHuman ConditionPsychologyAcceptance

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about mental health, one might say this quote to highlight the importance of facing our inner struggles.

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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Quote by T. S. Eliot | QuoteProject