The lark that shuns on lofty boughs to build, Her humble nest, lies silent in the field.
Edmund WallerRead
The soul's dark cottage, batter'd and decay'd, Lets in new light through chinks that Time has made. Stronger by weakness, wiser men become As they draw near to their eternal home: Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view That stand upon the threshold of the new.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the transformative power of aging and experience, suggesting that understanding and wisdom often come with time and vulnerability.
Edmund Waller's quote speaks to the idea that as we age and face the decay of our physical and mental faculties, we simultaneously gain wisdom and insight. The 'dark cottage' symbolizes the body, which, though weakened by time, allows for new perspectives and comprehension of life and death. The notion of standing at the threshold of the new implies a readiness to embrace change and transition, indicating that those who have faced challenges often possess the greatest understanding as they move toward their ultimate fate.
Themes
AgingWisdomTransformationLifeExperience
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a retirement party might use this quote to reflect on the experiences gained over the years.
More from Edmund Waller
All quotes →Could we forbear dispute, and practise love,_x000D_ _x000D_ We should agree as angels do above.
Edmund WallerRead
All human things Of dearest value hang on slender strings.
Edmund WallerRead
The chain that's fixed to the throne of Jove, On which the fabric of our world depends, One link dissolved, the whole creation ends.
Edmund WallerRead
Music so softens and disarms the mind That not an arrow does resistance find.
Edmund WallerRead
Vexed sailors cursed the rain, for which poor shepherds prayed in vain.
Edmund WallerRead
Similar quotes
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Behaviour arises from the level of one's consciousness.
Maharishi Mahesh YogiRead
Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling.
John WayneRead
Every monster was a man first.
Edward AlbeeRead
Let us remember the large numbers of citizens who, day in and day out, through acts of volunteerism large and small, bring hope to so many of the world's disadvantaged. Let us ensure that this wonderful resource, available in abundance to every nation, is recognized and supported as it works towards a more prosperous and peaceful world.
Kofi AnnanRead
I cannot be a materialist - but Oh, how is it possible that a God who speaks to all hearts can let Belgravia go laughing to a vicious luxury, and Whitechapel cursing to a filthy debauchery - such suffering, such dreadful suffering - and shall the short years of Christ's mission atone for it all?
D. H. LawrenceRead