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Time for you and time for me, And time yet for a hundred indecisions, And for a hundred visions and revisions, Before the taking of a toast and tea.
T. S. Eliot
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the nature of time and the human tendency to overthink decisions before taking action.

T. S. Eliot's quote highlights the complexities of time management and decision-making in life. It suggests that individuals often spend too much time in contemplation and hesitation, caught in a cycle of indecision and revision, rather than acting decisively. The mention of 'toast and tea' symbolizes moments of pause or social interaction, underscoring how time can both be a source of anxiety and an opportunity for connection.

Themes

TimeDecisionsIndecisionRevisionContemplation

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about taking risks, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of action over contemplation.

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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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