Eternity Quote by Hans Christian Andersen
“He found whole figures which represented a written word; but he never could manage to represent just the word he wanted - that word was 'eternity', and the Snow Queen had said, "If you can discover that figure, you shall be your own master, and I will make you a present of the whole world and a pair of new skates." But he could not find it out.”
About This Quote
Source Fairy Tale: The Snow Queen, Hans Christian Andersen, 1844
A quest for an abstract concept like eternity proves elusive, showing limits of representation.
In simple terms: Eternity cannot be captured in a simple symbol.
Key Takeaway
Accept some ideas remain beyond precise depiction.
Themes
literature
philosophy
search
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- personal reflection
- spiritual seeking
- educational discussion
Key Concepts
symbolism
abstract concepts
limits of language
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the endless search symbolize?
- How do we handle concepts that resist definition?
A Different Perspective
The story also explores perseverance and imagination.
