Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote questions whether one's experiences in life have been insightful or fruitless.
John Dryden's quote reflects on the nature of human experience and the pursuit of knowledge. It challenges the listener to consider if they have truly understood the world around them or if they have merely gone through the motions of life without gaining any meaningful insights. This introspection speaks to the importance of reflection and understanding in one's journey through life.
Themes
ExperienceKnowledgeReflectionLifeMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy class discussion on the meaning of life.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
…So when the last and dreadful hour This crumbling pageant shall devour, The trumpet shall be heard on high, The dead shall live, the living die, And Music shall untune the sky
John DrydenRead
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