There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
The chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights how Paris can inspire and energize individuals, suggesting both its allure and potential distractions.
T. S. Eliot points out that while Paris is a city filled with vibrant life and creativity, its intoxicating nature can be overwhelming. The 'strong stimulant' metaphor implies that the city has a profound effect on one's thoughts and emotions, potentially leading to both inspiration and chaos. This duality reflects the allure of artistic and cultural hubs, where the very essence of the place can heighten one's experiences, yet also distract from more grounded pursuits.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about artistic inspiration, one might say, 'As T. S. Eliot noted, the chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant.'
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
For I have known them all already, known them allβ Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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I am gay on the outside, especially among my own folk (I count Poles my own); but inside something gnaws at me; some presentiment, anxiety, dreams - or sleeplessness - melancholy, indifference - desire for life, and the next instant, desire for death; some kind of sweet peace, some kind of numbness, absent-mindedness.
Ironically, the first thing that appealed to me about Islam was its pluralism. The fact that the Koran praises all the great prophets of the past.
Many possessions, if they do not make a man better, are at least expected to make his children happier; and this pathetic hope is behind many exertions.
If the Philippines must remain under the control of Spain, they will necessarily have to be transformed in a political sense, for the course of their history and the needs of their inhabitants so require.
He will kill mice and he will be kind to babies...but when the moon gets up and the night comes, he is the Cat that Walks by Himself.