Art Quote by Matthew Arnold
““No, thou art come too late, Empedocles! And the world hath the day, and must break thee, Not thou the world. With men thou canst not live, Their thoughts, their ways, their wishes, are not thine; And being lonely thou art miserable, For something has impair'd they spirit's strength, And dried its self-sufficing font of joy.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Dream of the Darkened Sea” by Matthew Arnold, 1865
The speaker feels isolated because society’s values clash with his own, leading to a weakened spirit and loss of joy.
In simple terms: Feeling out of place and drained.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connections that nurture your spirit.
Themes
loneliness
identity
societal pressure
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- artistic circles
- academic environments
- personal crises
- cultural alienation
Key Concepts
existential angst
self‑sufficiency
spiritual depletion
Questions to Reflect On
- What values make you feel alienated?
- How can you find joy despite societal constraints?
A Different Perspective
Even if the world seems hostile, personal resilience can be cultivated.
