The lark that shuns on lofty boughs to build, Her humble nest, lies silent in the field.
Edmund WallerRead
The soul's dark cottage, batter'd and decay'd, Lets in new light through chinks that Time has made. Stronger by weakness, wiser men become As they draw near to their eternal home: Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view That stand upon the threshold of the new.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the transformative power of aging and experience, suggesting that understanding and wisdom often come with time and vulnerability.
Edmund Waller's quote speaks to the idea that as we age and face the decay of our physical and mental faculties, we simultaneously gain wisdom and insight. The 'dark cottage' symbolizes the body, which, though weakened by time, allows for new perspectives and comprehension of life and death. The notion of standing at the threshold of the new implies a readiness to embrace change and transition, indicating that those who have faced challenges often possess the greatest understanding as they move toward their ultimate fate.
Themes
AgingWisdomTransformationLifeExperience
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a retirement party might use this quote to reflect on the experiences gained over the years.
More from Edmund Waller
All quotes →Could we forbear dispute, and practise love,_x000D_ _x000D_ We should agree as angels do above.
Edmund WallerRead
All human things Of dearest value hang on slender strings.
Edmund WallerRead
The chain that's fixed to the throne of Jove, On which the fabric of our world depends, One link dissolved, the whole creation ends.
Edmund WallerRead
Music so softens and disarms the mind That not an arrow does resistance find.
Edmund WallerRead
Vexed sailors cursed the rain, for which poor shepherds prayed in vain.
Edmund WallerRead
Similar quotes
I consider the official Catholic attitude on divorce, birth control, and censorship exceedingly dangerous to mankind.
Bertrand RussellRead
Every man is our brother, and every man’s burden is our own. Where poverty exists, all are poorer. Where hate flourishes, all are corrupted. Where injustice reins, all are unequal.
Whitney M. YoungRead
Other people are quite dreadful. The only possible society is oneself.
Oscar WildeRead
Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction.
Edward TellerRead
One of the deepest motives (as you are aware) in the human beast (so deep that many have failed to detect it) is Alliteration.
Lewis CarrollRead
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans said that those who pass judgment on others are 'inexcusable.' The moment we judge someone else, he explained, we condemn ourselves, for none is without sin. Refusing to forgive is a grievous sin-one the Savior warned against.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead