There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
After such knowledge, what forgiveness? Think now History has many cunning passages, contrived corridors And issues, deceives with whispering ambitions Guides us by vanities.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the complexity of knowledge and the challenge of forgiveness in light of historical truths.
T. S. Eliot's quote suggests that with a deeper understanding of history, particularly its manipulative and deceptive nature, it becomes increasingly difficult to offer forgiveness. The mention of 'cunning passages' and 'whispering ambitions' indicates that history can mislead us, often driven by superficial desires, which complicates our moral perspectives and decisions.
Themes
KnowledgeForgivenessHistoryDeceptionVanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the effects of historical injustices and the challenge of transcending them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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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.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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