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Life is comic or pitiful as soon as the high ends of being…

“Life is comic or pitiful as soon as the high ends of being fade out of sight, and man becomes near-sighted, and can only attend towhat addresses the senses.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“Life is comic or pitiful as soon as the high ends of being fade out of sight, and man becomes near-sighted, and can only attend towhat addresses the senses.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Life becomes absurd or sad when high aspirations fade and focus narrows to immediate sensory concerns.

In simple terms: High ideals fade, life feels petty.

Key Takeaway

Maintain broader perspective.

Themes

philosophy existential perception

Mood

thoughtful contemplative

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • daily routines
  • career setbacks
  • personal crises

Key Concepts

nihilism sensory focus

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one balance lofty goals with present reality?
  • What practices sustain long‑term vision?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss the value of sensory experiences.

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