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Would that, like the smoke of the watch-fires that mounts…

“Would that, like the smoke of the watch-fires that mounts and vanishes at random in the empty sky, the smouldering flame of passion could burn itself away” quote by Murasaki Shikibu
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““Would that, like the smoke of the watch-fires that mounts and vanishes at random in the empty sky, the smouldering flame of passion could burn itself away””

Murasaki Shikibu

About This Quote

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

Passion can be fleeting, like smoke, and may ultimately extinguish itself.

In simple terms: Passion may burn out on its own.

Key Takeaway

Accept impermanence of intense feelings.

Themes

impermanence passion transience

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • creative inspiration
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

Japanese literature ephemeral desire

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you channel intense emotions before they fade?
  • Can fleeting passion be transformed into lasting purpose?
A Different Perspective

Passion may also inspire lasting change despite its fleeting nature.

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