Death is the sound of distant thunder at a picnic.
W. H. AudenRead
The Three Wiseman: The weather has been awful, The countryside is dreary, Marsh, jungle, rock; and echoes mock, Calling our hope unlawful; But a silly song can help along Yours ever and sincerely: At least we know for certain that we are three old sinners, that this journey is much too long, that we want our dinners, and miss our wives, our books, our dogs, but have only the vaguest idea why we are what we are. To discover how to be human now Is the reason we follow this star.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the human experience, acknowledging struggles and uncertainties while emphasizing the importance of companionship in the journey of life.
This quote by W. H. Auden delves into the complex nature of being human, capturing the essence of our struggles and the longing for connection. The 'three old sinners' symbolize a shared humanity marred by existential questions and challenges, all while recognizing that companionship and simple joys, like a 'silly song,' can provide solace and meaning amidst life's uncertainties. Ultimately, it suggests that the pursuit of understanding our humanity and our place in the world is a journey worth undertaking, guided by hope and fellowship.
Themes
HumanityJourneyCompanionshipExistentialismHope
In practice
Example use cases
During a reflective discussion on humanity at a philosophy club meeting.
More from W. H. Auden
All quotes →That the speech of self-disclosure should be translatable seems to me very odd, but I am convinced that it is. The conclusion that I draw is that the only quality which all human being without exception possess is uniqueness: any characteristic, on the other hand, which one individual can be recognized as having in common with another, like red hair or the English language, implies the existence of other individual qualities which this classification excludes.
W. H. AudenRead
Nobody knows what the cause is, though some pretend they do; it like some hidden assassin waiting to strike at you. Childless women get it, and men when they retire; it as if there had to be some outlet for their foiled creative fire.
W. H. AudenRead
History is, strictly speaking, the study of questions; the study of answers belongs to anthropology and sociology.
W. H. AudenRead
Music is the best means we have of digesting time.
W. H. AudenRead
'Healing,' Papa would tell me, 'is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.'
W. H. AudenRead
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