Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the natural progression of life and death, likening life to a clock winding down until it eventually comes to a stop.
John Dryden's quote poignantly depicts the inevitability of death and the passage of time, comparing a person's life to a clock that operates seamlessly for many years before finally ceasing to function. The imagery of falling like 'autumn fruit' suggests that death can occur naturally and at the right time, while the mention of 'fate' and 'worn out' signifies the unavoidable weariness that comes with living through many seasons of life.
Themes
LifeDeathTimeFateAging
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about aging, one might quote this to emphasize the peaceful acceptance of death.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
…So when the last and dreadful hour This crumbling pageant shall devour, The trumpet shall be heard on high, The dead shall live, the living die, And Music shall untune the sky
John DrydenRead
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