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17. Butterfly A butterfly fluttered its wings in a wind thick with the smell of seaweed. His dry lips felt the touch of the butterfly for the briefest instant, yet the wisp of wing dust still shone on his lips years later.
Rynosuke Akutagawa
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A simple moment can leave a lasting impact on our memories.

This quote by Rynosuke Akutagawa reflects on the beauty and transience of experiences in nature. The fleeting encounter with a butterfly symbolizes how a brief moment can resonate within us long after it has passed, highlighting the profound connections we can form with the world around us.

Themes

ButterflyMomentMemoryNatureImpact

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about embracing life's small joys, this quote could illustrate how fleeting experiences shape our happiness.

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A man sometimes devotes his life to a desire which he is not sure will ever be fulfilled. Those who laugh at this folly are, after all, no more than mere spectators of life.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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