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Beginning Quote by Peter Matthiessen

“Life begins before a soul is born and commences once again with the act of dying, and as in the Afro-Asian symbol of the snake of eternity swallowing its tail, all is in flux, all comes full circle, with no beginning and no end.” quote by Peter Matthiessen
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““Life begins before a soul is born and commences once again with the act of dying, and as in the Afro-Asian symbol of the snake of eternity swallowing its tail, all is in flux, all comes full circle, with no beginning and no end.””

Peter Matthiessen

About This Quote

Source Essay: Unknown (attributed to Peter Matthiessen)

Life starts before birth, repeats at death, and is a continuous cycle like the Ouroboros, with no start or end.

In simple terms: Life is a cyclical, endless flow.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's perpetual cycles.

Themes

life death cycle eternity flux

Mood

reflective calm

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • mindfulness practice
  • end‑of‑life counseling
  • creative arts

Key Concepts

spiritual philosophical

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you perceive life's cycles?
  • What practices help you embrace impermanence?
A Different Perspective

May be abstract for practical application.

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