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I've known rivers: I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
Langston Hughes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the profound connection between humanity and the timelessness of nature, symbolized by rivers.

Langston Hughes uses the metaphor of rivers to articulate the depth of human experience and the continuity of life. By describing rivers as ancient and older than humanity itself, he emphasizes the idea that our souls are interconnected with the natural world, suggesting that just as rivers flow and evolve over time, so too do our own experiences and wisdom deepen throughout our lives.

Themes

RiversNatureWisdomConnectionSoul

In practice

Example use cases

You can use this quote at a nature retreat to inspire participants about the importance of connecting with the environment.

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An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
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