Skip to content

Centuries Quote by Pablo Neruda

“How much does a man live, after all?/ Does he live a thousand days, or one only? For a week, or for several centuries?/ How long does a man spend dying?/ What does it mean to say 'for ever'?” quote by Pablo Neruda
Download Open image
“How much does a man live, after all?/ Does he live a thousand days, or one only? For a week, or for several centuries?/ How long does a man spend dying?/ What does it mean to say 'for ever'?”

Pablo Neruda

About This Quote

Source Poem: "El Amor" by Pablo Neruda, 1924

The poem questions the duration and meaning of human life, pondering whether it is measured in days, weeks, or eternity.

In simple terms: Life’s length and meaning are uncertain.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on how you value time.

Themes

mortality time meaning philosophy

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • daily routines
  • long‑term planning
  • legacy building
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

existentialism temporal perception poetry

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a meaningful life for you?
  • Do you measure life by quantity or quality?
A Different Perspective

Life’s meaning may differ across cultures and individuals.

3.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Pablo Neruda

Explore all 457 Pablo Neruda quotes

More Centuries quotes

Browse all 130 Centuries quotes