Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
When we are young, we are slavishly employed in procuring something whereby we may live comfortably when we grow old; and when we are old, we perceive it is too late to live as we proposed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the human tendency to focus on future comfort at the expense of present joy.
In this quote, Alexander Pope highlights the irony of life where the young are often so consumed with securing a financially stable future that they neglect to enjoy their current lives. As they grow older, they often realize that the time they spent planning for comfort has come at the cost of experiencing life to its fullest, leaving a sense of regret for not living in the present moment.
Themes
LifeYouthRegretPresentFutureEnjoymentComfort
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about work-life balance.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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