Thus, when the lamp that lighted The traveller at first goes out, He feels awhile benighted, And looks around in fear and doubt. But soon, the prospect clearing, By cloudless starlight on he treads, And thinks no lamp so cheering As that light which Heaven sheds.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the journey of life, suggesting that initial guidance may fade, but ultimately, a deeper understanding can illuminate the path ahead.
In this quote, Charles Lamb conveys the idea that while we may initially rely on external sources of light or guidance to navigate our journey, there will come times when this light diminishes, leaving us in darkness and uncertainty. However, through perseverance and reflection, we can discover an inner strength and clarity that surpasses our initial understanding, highlighted by the comforting presence of 'Heaven's light' which symbolizes a greater, universal wisdom or enlightenment.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, So deep in my soul the still prayer of devotion, Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee. As still to the star of its worship, though clouded, The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea, So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded, The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee.
The most mortifying infirmity in human nature, to feel in ourselves, or to contemplate in another, is perhaps cowardice.
Oh, ever thus, from childhood's hour, I 've seen my fondest hopes decay; I never loved a tree or flower But 't was the first to fade away. I never nurs'd a dear gazelle, To glad me with its soft black eye, But when it came to know me well And love me, it was sure to die.
May my last breath be drawn through a pipe, and exhaled in a jest.
A pun is not bound by the laws which limit nicer wit. It is a pistol let off at the ear; not a feather to tickle the intellect.
All, all are gone, the old familiar faces.
Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes.
We are ever free if we would only believe it, only have faith enough.
Any person without invincible prejudice who had the same experience would come to the same broad conclusion, viz., that things hitherto held impossible do actually occur.
The Ego is an exquisite instrument. Enjoy it, use it--just don't get lost in it.
Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.
Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.
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