Age Quote by James Russell Lowell
“Over our manhood bend the skies; Against our fallen and traitor lives The great winds utter prophecies; With our faint hearts the mountain strives, Its arms outstretched, the druid wood Waits with its benedicite And to our ageÂ’s drowsy blood Still shouts the inspiring sea.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The River of Life", 1845
The poem reflects on humanity's fragile existence against vast natural forces and destiny, urging perseverance despite weakness.
In simple terms: Humanity is tiny compared to nature and fate, yet must endure.
Key Takeaway
Embrace resilience amid overwhelming odds.
Themes
humanity
nature
resilience
destiny
fragility
Mood
melancholic
determined
reflective
Type
poetic
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war
- personal loss
- environmental crisis
- spiritual searching
Key Concepts
existentialism
romanticism
nature symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you find strength when feeling insignificant?
- What role does nature play in shaping your destiny?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may over‑dramaticize human powerlessness, ignoring agency.
![“[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own.” quote by James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/james-russell-lowell-561_books_b-ut-in-literature-it-should-be-remember_55085.jpg)
