Alas Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Alas! it is not till time, with reckless hand, has torn out half the leaves from the Book of Human Life to light the fires of passion with from day to day, that man begins to see that the leaves which remain are few in number.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Song of Hiawatha”, 1855
Human life’s fleeting time reveals how few opportunities remain, urging urgency before passion fades.
In simple terms: Time passes, leaving few chances.
Key Takeaway
Act before chances disappear.
Themes
mortality
urgency
passion
reflection
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationships
- creative projects
- health choices
Key Concepts
temporal scarcity
human condition
life’s brevity
Questions to Reflect On
- What will you prioritize now?
- How does awareness of scarcity shape your goals?
A Different Perspective
Focus on urgency may cause rash decisions.
