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Let Pascal say that man is a thinking reed. He is wrong; man is a thinking erratum. Each period in life is a new edition that corrects the preceding one and that in turn will be corrected by the next, until publication of the definitive edition, which the publisher donates to the worms.
Machado De Assis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Life is an ongoing process of learning and correction, ultimately leading to mortality.

This quote emphasizes the idea that human existence is a continuous journey of thought and growth, where each stage of life serves as an opportunity to correct past mistakes and learn from experiences. It suggests that life is like a book with multiple editions, each reflecting our evolution, yet ultimately leading to a conclusion that reminds us of our mortality.

Themes

LifeLearningGrowthMortalityCorrection

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a graduation speech to inspire students about the journey of learning ahead.

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In ordinary life, the action of a third party does not free the contractor from an obligation; but the advantage of making a contract with heaven is that intentions are valid currency.
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Quote by Machado De Assis | QuoteProject