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But it's a changeable world! When we consider how great…

“But it's a changeable world! When we consider how great our sorrow seem , and how small they are ; how we think we shall die of grief, and how quickly we forget, I think we ought to be ashamed of ourselves and our fickle-heartedness. For, after all, what business has Time to bring us consolation?” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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““But it's a changeable world! When we consider how great our sorrow seem , and how small they are ; how we think we shall die of grief, and how quickly we forget, I think we ought to be ashamed of ourselves and our fickle-heartedness. For, after all, what business has Time to bring us consolation?””

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

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

Human grief feels overwhelming until we recognize its fleeting nature, exposing our fickle hearts and the futility of seeking comfort from time.

In simple terms: Grief seems huge but is brief, revealing our fickleness.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's transience and avoid self‑indulgence.

Themes

mortality humility transience

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal loss
  • grief counseling
  • philosophical reflection
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology time perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recognizing life's brevity change your response to sorrow?
  • Can we find steadiness without relying on time?
A Different Perspective

Time cannot truly console; comfort must come from within.

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