Never to have lived is best, ancient writers say. Never to…
“Never to have lived is best, ancient writers say. Never to have drawn the breath of life, never to have looked into the eye of day; The second best's a gay goodnight and quickly turn away.”
This quote is also attributed to W.B. Yeats in other sources. Attributions for famous quotes are often disputed.
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Living is preferable to death; if death is inevitable, a brief, pleasant end is the next best.
In simple terms: Life is better than death.
Key Takeaway
Cherish life, accept its end.
Themes
life
death
acceptance
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- aging
- terminal illness
- end‑of‑life care
Key Concepts
existentialism
mortality
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes life worth living?
- How do we find meaning in mortality?
A Different Perspective
The view may ignore the value of suffering.