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Many times man lives and dies between his two eternities…

“Many times man lives and dies between his two eternities: that of race and that of Soul... A brief parting from those dear is the worst man has to fear... Though grave diggers' toil is long... They but thrust their buried men back in the human mind again.” quote by William Butler Yeats
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“Many times man lives and dies between his two eternities: that of race and that of Soul... A brief parting from those dear is the worst man has to fear... Though grave diggers' toil is long... They but thrust their buried men back in the human mind again.”

William Butler Yeats

About This Quote

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

Life is caught between the fleeting concerns of lineage and the deeper, eternal soul, and loss of loved ones feels the deepest fear, while memory revives the dead in our minds.

In simple terms: Human existence balances worldly duties and spiritual depth; loss is profoundly feared; memory resurrects the departed.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge both worldly and spiritual aspects; cherish memories.

Themes

mortality spirituality loss memory

Mood

melancholic reflective somber

Type

poetic philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • family bereavement
  • cultural heritage
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Existentialism dualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor both your heritage and your inner self?
  • What practices keep the memory of loved ones alive?
A Different Perspective

Memory cannot fully replace the presence of the departed.

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