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The lord of distant archery, Apollo, answered: "Lord of…

“The lord of distant archery, Apollo, answered: "Lord of earthquake, sound of mind you could not call me if I strove with you for the sake of mortals, poor things that they are. Ephemeral as the flamelike budding leaves, men flourish on the ripe wheat of the grainland, then in spiritless age they…” quote by Homer
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““The lord of distant archery, Apollo, answered: "Lord of earthquake, sound of mind you could not call me if I strove with you for the sake of mortals, poor things that they are. Ephemeral as the flamelike budding leaves, men flourish on the ripe wheat of the grainland, then in spiritless age they waste and die.””

Homer

About This Quote

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

The quote reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the limits of divine intervention, suggesting mortals are brief and vulnerable.

In simple terms: Human life is brief and vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Recognize life's impermanence.

Themes

mortality divine limits human fragility

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war
  • personal reflection
  • philosophical contemplation

Key Concepts

ephemerality existentialism mythology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does impermanence teach us about priorities?
  • How do we find meaning despite fleeting existence?
A Different Perspective

Even gods cannot control mortal fate.

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