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
Most things may never happen: this one will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the certainty of some events occurring, despite the uncertainty of many others.
Philip Larkin's quote highlights the idea that while there are numerous possibilities in life that may never come to fruition, there are certain events or realities that are inevitable. It reflects a recognition of the unpredictability of life and the importance of acknowledging what is assured, encouraging us to focus on the certainties rather than getting lost in endless possibilities.
Themes
CertaintyInevitabilityLifeReflectionPossibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about facing challenges, you could say, 'Most things may never happen: this one will' to encourage focus on tangible goals.
More from Philip Larkin
All quotes βUncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
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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.
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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.
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Originality is being different from oneself, not others.
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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.
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