There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
And I will show you something different from either Your shadow at morning striding behind you Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you I will show you fear in a handful of dust
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts the light and dark moments of life, revealing the deeper fears that often lie beneath our experiences.
T. S. Eliot's quote reflects on the duality of human existence, represented by the imagery of shadows at different times of day. It suggests that while one may have outward experiences and perceptions (the shadows), there is an underlying reality of fear and uncertainty symbolized by 'a handful of dust'. This encapsulates the transient nature of life and the often ignored anxieties that accompany our journey.
Themes
FearShadowLifeExistencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about embracing life's uncertainties, one might refer to Eliot's quote to illustrate the journey through fears.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes →Half 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 all— 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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