The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits;- on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Matthew ArnoldRead
To have the sense of creative activity is the great happiness and the great proof of being alive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creative activity is essential for true happiness and signifies that we are fully alive.
In this quote, Matthew Arnold emphasizes the intrinsic link between creativity and the experience of life itself. He suggests that engaging in creative pursuits not only brings joy but is also a testament to our vitality, indicating that those who create are actively participating in the richness of existence.
Themes
CreativityHappinessLifeActivityProof
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about the importance of following your passions.
More from Matthew Arnold
All quotes βAnd each day brings it's pretty dust, Our soon-choked souls to fll And we forget because we must, And not because we will.
Matthew ArnoldRead
It is almost impossible to exaggerate the proneness of the human mind to take miracles as evidence, and to seek for miracles as evidence.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Nature, with equal mind, Sees all her sons at play, Sees man control the wind, The wind sweep man away.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Culture, the acquainting ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Weary of myself, and sick of asking What I am, and what I ought to be, At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
Matthew ArnoldRead
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