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i shall imagine life is not worth dying,if (and when)roses complain their beauties are in vain but though mankind persuades itself that every weed's a rose,roses(you feel certain)will only smile
E. E. Cummings
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that life holds value despite struggles, and true beauty remains genuine and unaffected by false perceptions.

E. E. Cummings reflects on the complexity of life, indicating that even when faced with challenges or complaints, one should recognize the intrinsic worth of existence. The imagery of roses represents genuine beauty, contrasting with the idea that people might misinterpret or dilute this beauty by equating it with lesser things (weeds). Ultimately, true beauty endures and remains 'smiling' regardless of outside perceptions or comparisons.

Themes

LifeBeautyPerceptionStruggleValue

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a motivational speech about life's worth.

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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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