There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
It takes so many years to learn that one is dead.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the realization of one's own existence and the inevitability of mortality.
T. S. Eliot's quote encapsulates a profound contemplation of life and death, suggesting that the journey of understanding oneβs own mortality is long and fraught with complexities. It implies that throughout life, individuals may live in denial of their own finitude, often unaware of the deeper truths about existence until much later, if at all. This dawning realization can lead to greater insights about the nature of life and the human condition.
Themes
MortalityExistenceSelf-AwarenessPhilosophyTime
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the human experience, one might say, 'As T. S. Eliot notes, it takes so many years to learn that one is dead, highlighting the importance of embracing life fully.'
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf 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.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
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.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead
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