It gnaws iron, and bites steel; Grinds hard stone to meal…
““It gnaws iron, and bites steel; Grinds hard stone to meal. It slays all in its path, and will ruin many a town, And it will beat the mighty mountain down. What is it? It is time.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Time erodes all materials, from iron to mountains, and ultimately destroys towns, making it the relentless force that consumes everything.
In simple terms: Time wears down everything.
Key Takeaway
Recognize time’s power and act wisely.
Themes
time
erosion
impermanence
power
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
riddle
philosophical
When to use this quote
- planning projects
- maintenance
- long‑term investments
- environmental policy
- personal health
Key Concepts
philosophical
natural law
inevitability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize actions against time’s erosion?
- What can you preserve despite time?
A Different Perspective
Time alone cannot be stopped; human agency can mitigate its effects.