Give me hunger, pain and want, Shut me out with shame and failure From your doors of gold and fame, Give me your shabbiest, weariest hunger! But leave me a little love.
Carl SandburgRead
The dead hold in their hands only what they have given away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the value of selflessness and giving to others, as material possessions mean little after death.
Carl Sandburg's quote reflects on the concept of mortality and the significance of our actions during our lifetime. It suggests that when we pass away, the only things we truly possess are the love, kindness, and generosity we have shared with others. This perspective encourages us to focus on giving and making a positive impact on those around us, rather than accumulating material wealth.
Themes
SelflessnessGivingValueLifeMortality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be perfect for a speech at a charity event to inspire generosity.
More from Carl Sandburg
All quotes βNothing happens... but first a dream.
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Read the dictionary from A to Izzard today. Get a vocabulary. Brush up on your diction. See whether wisdom is just a lot of language.
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My name is Truth and I am the most elusive captive in the universe.
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There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.
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A liar goes in fine clothes, a liar goes in rags, a liar is a liar, clothes or no clothes.
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