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HIS chosen comrades thought at school He must grow a…

“HIS chosen comrades thought at school He must grow a famous man; He thought the same and lived by rule, All his twenties crammed with toil; 'What then?' sang Plato's ghost. 'What then?' Everything he wrote was read, After certain years he won Sufficient money for his need, Friends that have been…” quote by W.B. Yeats
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““HIS chosen comrades thought at school He must grow a famous man; He thought the same and lived by rule, All his twenties crammed with toil; 'What then?' sang Plato's ghost. 'What then?' Everything he wrote was read, After certain years he won Sufficient money for his need, Friends that have been friends indeed; 'What then?' sang Plato's ghost. ' What then?' All his happier dreams came true -- A small old house, wife, daughter, son, Grounds where plum and cabbage grew, poets and Wits about him drew; 'What then.?' sang Plato's ghost. 'What then?' The work is done,' grown old he thought, 'According to my boyish plan; Let the fools rage, I swerved in naught, Something to perfection brought'; But louder sang that ghost, 'What then?””

W.B. Yeats

About This Quote

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

A man works hard, achieves success, but still wonders “What then?” after each milestone.

In simple terms: Success brings new questions about purpose.

Key Takeaway

Continuously seek meaning beyond achievements.

Themes

purpose success existentialism

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • retirement planning
  • legacy building
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

philosophy life cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “What then?” mean for you after reaching a goal?
  • How can you find fulfillment beyond material success?
A Different Perspective

Endless questioning can lead to dissatisfaction if not addressed.

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