Skip to content

Careful Quote by Philip Larkin

“The first day after a death, the new absence Is always the same; we should be careful Of each other, we should be kind While there is still time. From "The Mower” quote by Philip Larkin
Download Open image
““The first day after a death, the new absence Is always the same; we should be careful Of each other, we should be kind While there is still time. From "The Mower””

Philip Larkin

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Mower, 1972

After a death, the immediate emptiness feels identical, urging us to treat each other with care while we still have time.

In simple terms: Loss feels the same; be kind now.

Key Takeaway

Be kind before it's too late.

Themes

mortality compassion urgency

Mood

reflective somber

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grieving families
  • daily interactions
  • community support

Key Concepts

humanity empathy temporal awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you show kindness to strangers today?
  • What does “still time” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Kindness may be ignored when people are preoccupied with their own grief.

2.1 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Philip Larkin

Explore all 206 Philip Larkin quotes

More Careful quotes

Browse all 2,861 Careful quotes