I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
That which we die for lives as wholly as that which we live for dies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the intertwined nature of life and death, emphasizing that what we sacrifice for has a lasting impact, as does what we choose to live for.
E. E. Cummings' quote suggests a profound connection between life and death, highlighting that the values and ideals we are willing to die for possess an enduring essence, much like the things we actively pursue in life can decay and fade away. It invites contemplation of the purpose of our sacrifices and the significance of the legacies we build through our actions and intentions.
Themes
LifeDeathSacrificeLegacyPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal sacrifice, you might use this quote to emphasize the value of standing up for one's beliefs.
More from E. E. Cummings
All quotes →I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
E. E. CummingsRead
When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
E. E. CummingsRead
The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
E. E. CummingsRead
Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
E. E. CummingsRead
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