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So, often in the course Of life's few fleeting years, A…

“So, often in the course Of life's few fleeting years, A single pleasure costs The soul a thousand tears.” quote by Francis William Bourdillon
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“So, often in the course Of life's few fleeting years, A single pleasure costs The soul a thousand tears.”

Francis William Bourdillon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A brief pleasure can cause deep, lasting sorrow for the soul.

In simple terms: Short joy can bring lasting pain.

Key Takeaway

Beware of fleeting pleasures.

Themes

transience pleasure sorrow life reflection

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • artistic pursuits
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

philosophy emotional cost ephemerality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pleasures have you regretted?
  • How do you balance joy and long‑term wellbeing?
A Different Perspective

Pleasure may be deceptive; not all joy is harmless.

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