Some dreams we have are nothing else but dreams, Unnatural and full of contradictions; Yet others of our most romantic schemes, Are something more than fictions.
Thomas HoodRead
It was a childish ignorance, But now 'tis little joy To know I'm further off from heaven Than when I was a boy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the loss of innocence and the realization of life's complexities as one grows older.
Thomas Hood's quote speaks to the idea that as we mature, our understanding of the world deepens, often leading to a bittersweet reflection on lost innocence. The 'childish ignorance' suggests a simpler, more carefree time in youth, while the acknowledgment of being 'further off from heaven' indicates a growing awareness of life's difficulties and the loss of the pure, joyful perspective that childhood affords.
Themes
InnocenceGrowthLife ExperienceReflectionJoy
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to emphasize the complexities of adult life.
More from Thomas Hood
All quotes βTis like the birthday of the world,_x000D_ _x000D_ When earth was born in bloom;_x000D_ _x000D_ The light is made of many dyes,_x000D_ _x000D_ The air is all perfume:_x000D_ _x000D_ There's crimson buds, and white and blue,_x000D_ _x000D_ The very rainbow showers_x000D_ _x000D_ Have turned to blossoms where they fell,_x000D_ _x000D_ And sown the earth with flowers.
Thomas HoodRead
Some minds improve by travel, others, rather, resemble copper wire, or brass, which get the narrower by going farther.
Thomas HoodRead
The Autumn is old; The sere leaves are flying; He hath gather'd up gold, And now he is dying;- Old age, begin sighing!
Thomas HoodRead
I resolved that, like the sun, as long as my day lasted, I would look on the bright side of everything.
Thomas HoodRead
I remember, I remember The fir-trees dark and high; I used to think their slender tops Were close against the sky; It was a childish ignorance, But now 't is little joy To know I'm farther off from heaven Than when I was a boy.
Thomas HoodRead
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