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Years, following years, steal something every day; At last they steal us from ourselves away.
Horace
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Time gradually takes away our essence and identity, leading to a loss of self.

This quote by Horace reflects on the inevitable passage of time and its impact on our identities. The phrase suggests that as years go by, they cause a gradual erosion of who we are, ultimately leading to a disconnection from our true selves. It serves as a reminder to cherish our identity and experiences while we still can.

Themes

TimeIdentityLossSelfReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of self-care, one could use this quote to emphasize the need to embrace who we are.

More from Horace

Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
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Now is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
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Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.
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It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.
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It is not the rich man you should properly call happy, _x000D_ but him who knows how to use with wisdom the blessings of the gods, _x000D_ to endure hard poverty, and who fears dishonor worse than death, _x000D_ and is not afraid to die for cherished friends or fatherland.
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Few cross the river of time and are able to reach non-being. Most of them run up and down only on this side of the river. But those who when they know the law follow the path of the law, they shall reach the other shore and go beyond the realm of death.
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