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O but we dreamed to mend Whatever mischief seemed To…

“O but we dreamed to mend Whatever mischief seemed To afflict mankind, but now That winds of winter blow Learn that we were crack-pated when we dreamed.” quote by William Butler Yeats
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“O but we dreamed to mend Whatever mischief seemed To afflict mankind, but now That winds of winter blow Learn that we were crack-pated when we dreamed.”

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.

The poet reflects on youthful idealism that tried to heal humanity, now shattered by harsh reality.

In simple terms: Dreams of fixing the world fade in winter.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the loss of innocence.

Themes

idealism disillusionment time humanity

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • historical analysis
  • art criticism

Key Concepts

nostalgia realism mortality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How have your youthful hopes changed?
  • What can we learn from lost idealism?
A Different Perspective

Idealism often underestimates complexity.

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