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Let others probe the mystery if they can. Time-harried…

“Let others probe the mystery if they can. Time-harried prisoners of Shall and Will- The right thing happens to the happy man. The bird flies out, the bird flies back again; The hill becomes the valley, and is still; Let others delve that mystery if they can. God bless the roots! -Body and soul are…” quote by Theodore Roethke
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““Let others probe the mystery if they can. Time-harried prisoners of Shall and Will- The right thing happens to the happy man. The bird flies out, the bird flies back again; The hill becomes the valley, and is still; Let others delve that mystery if they can. God bless the roots! -Body and soul are one The small become the great, the great the small; The right thing happens to the happy man. Child of the dark, he can out leap the sun, His being single, and that being all: The right thing happens to the happy man. Or he sits still, a solid figure when The self-destructive shake the common wall; Takes to himself what mystery he can, And, praising change as the slow night comes on, Wills what he would, surrendering his will Till mystery is no more: No more he can. The right thing happens to the happy man.””

Theodore Roethke

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 suggests that contentment aligns with the natural flow of life, allowing mystery and change to resolve peacefully.

In simple terms: Being happy lets things fall into place.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate happiness to ease life's mysteries.

Themes

happiness acceptance change mystery nature

Mood

reflective calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice
  • coping with uncertainty
  • mindful living

Key Concepts

existentialism stoicism poetic metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your mood affect your perception of events?
  • Can acceptance replace effort?
A Different Perspective

Happiness alone may not solve external problems; action may still be required.

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