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Youth dreams a bliss on this side of death. It dreams a…

“Youth dreams a bliss on this side of death. It dreams a rest, if not more deep, More grateful than this marble sleep; It hears a voice within it tell: Calm's not life's crown, though calm is well. 'Tis all perhaps which man acquires, But 'tis not what our youth desires.” quote by Matthew Arnold
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“Youth dreams a bliss on this side of death. It dreams a rest, if not more deep, More grateful than this marble sleep; It hears a voice within it tell: Calm's not life's crown, though calm is well. 'Tis all perhaps which man acquires, But 'tis not what our youth desires.”

Matthew Arnold

About This Quote

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

Youth seeks peace beyond death, yet true desire lies in active, vibrant life rather than passive calm.

In simple terms: Youth wants more than calm.

Key Takeaway

Pursue active purpose.

Themes

youth life death desire

Mood

thoughtful melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • health decisions
  • spiritual contemplation
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

existentialism romanticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “calm” mean to you?
  • How can you balance peace with ambition?
A Different Perspective

Calm can become complacency if it replaces ambition.

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