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If we lived forever, if the dews of Adashino never…

“If we lived forever, if the dews of Adashino never vanished, if the crematory smoke on Toribeyama never faded, men would hardly feel the pity of things. The beauty of life is in its impermanence. Man lives the longest of all living things... and even one year lived peacefully seems very long. Yet…” quote by Yoshida Kenko
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“If we lived forever, if the dews of Adashino never vanished, if the crematory smoke on Toribeyama never faded, men would hardly feel the pity of things. The beauty of life is in its impermanence. Man lives the longest of all living things... and even one year lived peacefully seems very long. Yet for such as love the world, a thousand years would fade like the dream of one night.”

Yoshida Kenko

About This Quote

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

Impermanence gives life meaning; endless existence would dull empathy and appreciation.

In simple terms: Life’s value lies in its fleeting nature.

Key Takeaway

Embrace change and cherish moments.

Themes

impermanence beauty life ephemerality

Mood

contemplative tranquil

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily life
  • relationships
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

philosophy Buddhist thought existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does awareness of impermanence shape your choices?
  • What fleeting moments do you cherish?
A Different Perspective

If everything lasted forever, motivation would fade.

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