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All space, all time, The stars, the terrible perturbations…

“All space, all time, The stars, the terrible perturbations of the suns, Swelling, collapsing, ending, serving their longer, shorter use, Fill'd with eidolons only. The noiseless myriads, The infinite oceans where the rivers empty, The separate countless free identities, like eyesight, The true…” quote by Walt Whitman
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““All space, all time, The stars, the terrible perturbations of the suns, Swelling, collapsing, ending, serving their longer, shorter use, Fill'd with eidolons only. The noiseless myriads, The infinite oceans where the rivers empty, The separate countless free identities, like eyesight, The true realities, eidolons. Not this the world, Nor these the universes, they the universes, Purport and end, ever the permanent life of life, Eidolons, eidolons...””

Walt Whitman

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 reflects on the vast, ever‑changing cosmos and the fleeting nature of existence, suggesting that reality is composed of countless fleeting forms and perceptions.

In simple terms: The universe is endless and constantly reshaping itself.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the impermanence of life.

Themes

cosmos impermanence perception

Mood

awe contemplative melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • stargazing
  • philosophical contemplation
  • creative writing
  • meditation
  • science education

Key Concepts

existentialism transcendence poetry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find meaning in an ever‑changing universe?
  • What role do personal experiences play amid cosmic vastness?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook human agency and the concrete aspects of daily life.

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