Skip to content

If we consider eternity, into that time never entered…

“If we consider eternity, into that time never entered; eternity is not an everlasting flux of time, but time is as a short parenthesis in a long period; and eternity had been the same as it is, though time had never been.” quote by John Donne
Download Open image
“If we consider eternity, into that time never entered; eternity is not an everlasting flux of time, but time is as a short parenthesis in a long period; and eternity had been the same as it is, though time had never been.”

John Donne

About This Quote

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

It reflects on eternity as a constant, while time is a brief interval within it, suggesting timelessness beyond temporal flow.

In simple terms: Eternity is constant; time is a brief pause.

Key Takeaway

Consider eternity beyond fleeting time.

Themes

philosophy time eternity

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • long‑term planning
  • grief processing

Key Concepts

temporal vs. eternal metaphysics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does viewing time as brief affect your priorities?
  • Can you find peace in the idea of eternity?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Donne

Explore all 325 John Donne quotes

More Eternity quotes

Browse all 3,482 Eternity quotes