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Beauty - what is beauty, forsooth? Form and color; that…

“Beauty - what is beauty, forsooth? Form and color; that is, surface only. Fortune - what is fortune? Nothing is ever a pleasure or a real profit to him who has to labour for it. Truth - you die in the pursuit, and the sea beats the beach as it did a thousand years ago. The stolid are alone happy.” quote by Richard Jefferies
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“Beauty - what is beauty, forsooth? Form and color; that is, surface only. Fortune - what is fortune? Nothing is ever a pleasure or a real profit to him who has to labour for it. Truth - you die in the pursuit, and the sea beats the beach as it did a thousand years ago. The stolid are alone happy.”

Richard Jefferies

About This Quote

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

Beauty is superficial, fortune fleeting, truth elusive; only the steadfast find lasting happiness.

In simple terms: Surface values fade; only steadiness brings true contentment.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner steadiness.

Themes

beauty fortune truth contentment steadiness

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • life philosophy
  • mental resilience
  • acceptance
  • inner peace

Key Concepts

philosophy existentialism stoicism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true happiness mean to you?
  • How can you focus on inner steadiness?
A Different Perspective

Even the steadfast may still face external turmoil.

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