We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our…
““We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. Through the unknown, remembered gate When the last of earth left to discover Is that which was the beginning; At the source of the longest river The voice of the hidden waterfall And the children in the apple-tree Not known, because not looked for But heard, half-heard, in the stillness Between two waves of the sea. —T.S. Eliot, from “Little Gidding,” Four Quartets (Gardners Books; Main edition, April 30, 2001) Originally published 1943.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exploration leads back to origins, revealing familiar truths anew after a journey through mystery.
In simple terms: Exploring returns us to familiar places with new insight.
Key Takeaway
Seek understanding through continual discovery.
Themes
exploration
origin
reflection
journey
knowledge
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
inspired
Type
poetic
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- scientific research
- creative projects
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
spirituality
cyclical time
Questions to Reflect On
- What familiar truths have you rediscovered after change?
- How does returning to origins change your perspective?
A Different Perspective
The insight may be idealized and not always achievable in practical life.