Never such innocence, Never before or since, As changed itself to past Without a word--the men Leaving the gardens tidy, The thousands of marriages Lasting a little while longer: Never such innocence again.
Philip LarkinRead
Life has a practice of living you, if you don't live it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
If you don't actively engage with life, it will carry you along without your input.
This quote by Philip Larkin suggests that life is not merely something we observe or passively experience; rather, it requires active participation. If one fails to engage with their own existence, they may find themselves being directed by circumstances rather than making conscious choices that shape their own paths.
Themes
LifeLivingEngagementParticipationExperience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about taking charge of one's life.
More from Philip Larkin
All quotes →Uncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
Philip LarkinRead
Saki says that youth is like hors d'oeuvres: you are so busy thinking of the next courses you don't notice it. When you've had them, you wish you'd had more hors d'oeuvres.
Philip LarkinRead
Above all, though, children are linked to adults by the simple fact that they are in process of turning into them. For this they may be forgiven much. Children are bound to be inferior to adults, or there is no incentive to grow up.
Philip LarkinRead
Originality is being different from oneself, not others.
Philip LarkinRead
I can't understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It's like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.
Philip LarkinRead
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