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When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are…

“When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried, When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died, We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it lie down for an aeon or two, Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew!” quote by Rudyard Kipling
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“When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried, When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died, We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it lie down for an aeon or two, Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew!”

Rudyard Kipling

About This Quote

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

The poem envisions a distant future where humanity rests after creation, awaiting a new purpose from a higher master.

In simple terms: Future rest before a new purpose.

Key Takeaway

Embrace patience for future renewal.

Themes

future rest purpose

Mood

hopeful contemplative

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • long-term planning
  • spiritual contemplation
  • artistic creation
  • environmental stewardship

Key Concepts

existentialism mythic narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “rest” mean in your life?
  • How do you prepare for an unknown future?
A Different Perspective

The vague timeline may cause complacency.

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