Skip to content

Behinds Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The shadows of the mind are like those of the body. In the morning of life they all lie behind us; at noon we trample them under foot; and in the evening they stretch long, broad, and deepening before us.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Download Open image
“The shadows of the mind are like those of the body. In the morning of life they all lie behind us; at noon we trample them under foot; and in the evening they stretch long, broad, and deepening before us.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Shadow of the Mind" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1845

Our thoughts and memories shift with life’s stages, receding, being suppressed, then expanding as we age.

In simple terms: Mind’s shadows change over a lifetime.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address lingering thoughts early.

Themes

psychology time self-awareness

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • morning reflection
  • midday focus
  • evening contemplation

Key Concepts

memory perception life stages

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle past thoughts that reappear?
  • What habits help keep mental clutter at bay?
A Different Perspective

Shadows may resurface despite suppression.

3.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Explore all 755 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quotes

More Behinds quotes

Browse all 6,789 Behinds quotes