Never such innocence, Never before or since, As changed itself to past Without a word--the men Leaving the gardens tidy, The thousands of marriages Lasting a little while longer: Never such innocence again.
Philip LarkinRead
We should be careful / Of each other, we should be kind / While there is still time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of kindness and care for one another while we have the opportunity.
Philip Larkin's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the necessity of treating each other with kindness. It encourages us to foster compassion and understanding among individuals, suggesting that we should not take our time with others for granted and must act with empathy while we still can.
Themes
KindnessCareRelationshipsLifeTime
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on community service, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of kindness.
More from Philip Larkin
All quotes βUncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
Philip LarkinRead
Saki says that youth is like hors d'oeuvres: you are so busy thinking of the next courses you don't notice it. When you've had them, you wish you'd had more hors d'oeuvres.
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Above all, though, children are linked to adults by the simple fact that they are in process of turning into them. For this they may be forgiven much. Children are bound to be inferior to adults, or there is no incentive to grow up.
Philip LarkinRead
Originality is being different from oneself, not others.
Philip LarkinRead
I can't understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It's like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.
Philip LarkinRead
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