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Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return.
W. H. Auden
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Impatience is a fundamental flaw that leads to significant consequences in life.

In this quote, W. H. Auden reflects on the concept of impatience as a core human failing that drives us away from peace and fulfillment, symbolized by 'Paradise.' The idea suggests that our inability to wait and endure can lead to regret and a perpetual longing for what we have lost, highlighting the importance of patience in finding true contentment.

Themes

ImpatiencePatienceConsequencesWisdomParadise

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about personal growth.

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History is, strictly speaking, the study of questions; the study of answers belongs to anthropology and sociology.
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'Healing,' Papa would tell me, 'is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.'
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