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That over these sea pastures, wide rolling watery…

“That over these sea pastures, wide rolling watery prairies, and Potters' Fields of all four continents, the waves should rise and fall, and ebb and flow unceasingly; for here, millions of mixed shades and shadows, drowned dreams, somnambulisms, reveries; all that we call lives and souls lie…” quote by Herman Melville
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““That over these sea pastures, wide rolling watery prairies, and Potters' Fields of all four continents, the waves should rise and fall, and ebb and flow unceasingly; for here, millions of mixed shades and shadows, drowned dreams, somnambulisms, reveries; all that we call lives and souls lie dreaming, dreaming, still; tossing like some slumberers in their beds; the ever rolling waves but made so by the restlessness.””

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

The passage depicts the endless, restless motion of the sea as a metaphor for the ceaseless flow of human dreams and souls, all caught in perpetual dreaming and turbulence.

In simple terms: Life is like endless waves of dreams and restlessness.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the constant motion of life.

Themes

nature existence dreams restlessness metaphor

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • sailing
  • creative writing
  • philosophical reflection
  • meditation
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

impermanence human condition cosmic rhythm

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find calm amid constant change?
  • What dreams keep you moving forward?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may overlook moments of stillness and peace.

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