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Much did I rage when young, Being by the world oppressed, But now with flattering tongue It speeds the parting guest.
William Butler Yeats
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the transformation from youthful anger to acceptance and understanding of societal pressures.

William Butler Yeats conveys a journey from youthful rage against the world's injustices to a more mature understanding that embraces the societal norms and flatteries that come with age. The shift from anger to acceptance suggests that as one grows older, they often learn to navigate the world with greater wisdom, sometimes even using that flattery to facilitate connections and partings.

Themes

WisdomAcceptanceMaturitySocietyUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a graduation speech to inspire students on the journey of growth.

More from William Butler Yeats

If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
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