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The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time…

“The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time, rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean-tide, on which we and all the Universe swim like exhalations, like apparitions which are, and then are not: this is forever very literally a miracle; a thing to strike us…” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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““The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time, rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean-tide, on which we and all the Universe swim like exhalations, like apparitions which are, and then are not: this is forever very literally a miracle; a thing to strike us dumb—for we have no word to speak about it.””

Thomas Carlyle

About This Quote

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

Time is an endless, silent force that moves everything, making existence fleeting and awe‑inspiring.

In simple terms: Time is endless and moves everything.

Key Takeaway

Recognize life's fleeting nature.

Themes

philosophy existence wonder

Mood

awe contemplative

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • creative work
  • mindfulness practice
  • grief processing

Key Concepts

impermanence cosmic scale miracle

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does awareness of time change your priorities?
  • What moments feel timeless to you?
A Different Perspective

Time cannot be fully captured in words, limiting our ability to describe it.

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