Skip to content

Air Quote by George Eliot

“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love - that makes life and nature harmonise. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one's very footsteps may not disturb…” quote by George Eliot
Download Open image
“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love - that makes life and nature harmonise. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one's very footsteps may not disturb the repose of earth and air, while they give us a scent that is a perfect anodyne to the restless spirit. Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Poem: Autumn Reflection, 1850s (attributed)

The speaker admires autumn’s melancholy beauty, finding harmony in nature’s cycles and a yearning for its renewal.

In simple terms: Autumn’s sad beauty feels harmonious and inspiring.

Key Takeaway

Embrace seasonal change, seek renewal.

Themes

nature seasonality melancholy

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • walking in parks
  • writing about nature
  • meditation

Key Concepts

transience aesthetic appreciation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does autumn symbolize for you?
  • How does nature’s cycle affect your mood?
A Different Perspective

Autumn can also evoke sadness and nostalgia.

3.4 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by George Eliot

Explore all 1,492 George Eliot quotes

More Air quotes

Browse all 6,278 Air quotes