I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.
Virginia WoolfRead
Did it matter then, she asked herself, walking towards Bond Street, did it matter that she must inevitably cease completely? All this must go on without her; did she resent it; or did it not become consoling to believe that death ended absolutely?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inevitability of death and whether its finality is a source of resentment or consolation.
Virginia Woolf's quote delves into the introspective contemplation of mortality and the notion of existence beyond one's life. It raises profound questions about the significance of individuality in the grand scheme of life, suggesting that while one may face the inevitability of ceasing to exist, there is a possibility of finding solace in the idea that life will continue regardless. This existential inquiry encourages a deeper reflection on the relationship between the self and the world, particularly in how one perceives their own impact on life after death.
Themes
MortalityExistenceConsolationReflectionDeath
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the human experience, one might quote Woolf to highlight the importance of embracing life despite its transience.
More from Virginia Woolf
All quotes →Death is woven in with the violets,” said Louis. “Death and again death.”)
Virginia WoolfRead
He began to search among the infinite series of impressions which time had laid down, leaf upon leaf, fold upon fold softly, incessantly upon his brain; among scents, sounds; voices, harsh, hollow, sweet; and lights passing, and brooms tapping; and the wash and hush of the sea.
Virginia WoolfRead
I want to think quietly, calmly, spaciously, never to be interrupted, never to have to rise from my chair, to slip easily from one thing to another, without any sense of hostility, or obstacle. I want to sink deeper and deeper, away from the surface, with its hard separate facts.
Virginia WoolfRead
I do think all good and evil comes from words. I have to tune myself into a good temper with something musical, and I run to a book as a child to its mother.
Virginia WoolfRead
London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets... To walk alone through London is the greatest rest.
Virginia WoolfRead
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