Afar Quote by Kenneth Rand
“The beauty that men seek is half a dream-- Where'er we wander, yet it lies afar; It touches with its wand a setting star, It stirs the ripple of an ebbing stream. And though we run beyond the dawning gleam, Or kneel to worship at an altar bright, We may not know the soul of its delight, Or more than marvel at its palest beam.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, likely 19th‑century romantic verse
The poem reflects humanity’s endless pursuit of an ideal beauty that remains distant and elusive, suggesting we can only glimpse its faint allure.
In simple terms: We chase an ideal beauty that stays far away.
Key Takeaway
Accept the mystery and cherish small glimpses.
Themes
beauty
longing
human nature
Mood
wistanchanted
melancholic
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- art appreciation
- personal growth
- spiritual reflection
- creative inspiration
Key Concepts
romanticism
idealism
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “beauty” truly mean to you?
- How do you find fulfillment when the ideal is distant?
A Different Perspective
The ideal may be unattainable, leading to frustration.
