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You have not known what you are--you have slumber'd upon…

“You have not known what you are--you have slumber'd upon yourself all your life; Your eye-lids have been the same as closed most of the time; What you have done returns already in mockeries; Your thrift, knowledge, prayers, if they do not return in mockeries, what is their return? The mockeries…” quote by Walt Whitman
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“You have not known what you are--you have slumber'd upon yourself all your life; Your eye-lids have been the same as closed most of the time; What you have done returns already in mockeries; Your thrift, knowledge, prayers, if they do not return in mockeries, what is their return? The mockeries are not you; Underneath them, and within them, I see you lurk;”

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.

It reflects on self‑ignorance, the hidden self beneath superficial actions, and the futility of material pursuits.

In simple terms: We often ignore our true selves.

Key Takeaway

Explore inner depth.

Themes

selfdiscovery illusion materialism

Mood

introspective poetic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What parts of yourself are hidden?
  • How do you confront your mockeries?
A Different Perspective

The language is obscure, limiting accessibility.

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