There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
The Nobel is a ticket to one's own funeral. No one has ever done anything after he got it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Nobel Prize is seen as both an honor and a potential end to further achievements.
T. S. Eliot's statement suggests that receiving the Nobel Prize, while being an immense accolade, can lead to a sense of completion that may hinder future endeavors. The quote reflects on how the pursuit of excellence can diminish after reaching such a pinnacle, implying that the recognition itself may bring about a stagnation in creativity or ambition.
Themes
NobelSuccessRecognitionAchievementStagnation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a university graduation, one could reference Eliot's quote to convey that achievements can sometimes lead to complacency.
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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