Air Quote by Carl Sandburg
“I want to do the right thing, but often I don't know just what the right thing is. Every day I know I have come short of what I would like to have done. Yet as the years pass and I see the very world itself, with its oceans and mountains and plains, as something unfinished, a peculiar little satisfaction hunts out the corners of my heart. Sunsets and evening shadows find me regretful at task's undone, but sleep and the dawn and the air of the morning touch me with freshening hopes. Strange things blow in through my window on the wings of the night wind and I don't worry about my destiny.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The World Is Unfinished,” 1934
The poet feels perpetual incompleteness, urging humility and hope despite regrets, finding renewal in daily cycles.
In simple terms: Life feels unfinished, but each day offers fresh hope.
Key Takeaway
Embrace daily renewal despite unfinished tasks.
Themes
existential
hope
reflection
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal goal setting
- creative projects
- mindfulness practice
- grief processing
Key Concepts
impermanence
human striving
Questions to Reflect On
- What unfinished tasks motivate you?
- How do daily routines restore hope?
A Different Perspective
Regret can dominate if not balanced with optimism.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)