Children Quote by Rabindranath Tagore
““There is a Persian story which I was greatly taken with when I read it as a boy ⎯ I think I understood, even then, something of the underlying idea, though I was a mere child. To show the illusory character of time, a faquir put some magic water into a tub and asked the King to take a dip. The King no sooner dipped his head in than he found himself in a strange country by the sea, where he spent a good long time going through a variety of happenings and doings. He married, had children, his wife and children died, he lost all his wealth, and as he writhed under his sufferings he suddenly found himself back in the room, surrounded by his courtiers. On his proceeding to revile the faquir for his misfortunes, they said: “But, Sire, you have only just dipped your head in, and raised it out of the water!" The whole of our life with its pleasures and pains is in the same way enclosed in one moment of time. However long or intense we may feel it to be while it lasts, as soon as we have finished our dip in the tub of the world, we shall find how like a slight, momentary dream the whole thing has been. . . .””
About This Quote
Source Story: Persian tale recounted by Tagore, early 20th century collection
Life’s events, both joy and suffering, are fleeting, like a brief immersion in water that returns you instantly to the present moment.
In simple terms: Life is a short dream that ends as soon as it begins.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the transience of experiences.
Themes
impermanence
perspective
philosophy
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief
- celebration
- personal loss
- joyful moments
- career reflection
Key Concepts
Temporal illusion
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing impermanence affect your daily choices?
- Can fleeting moments still hold lasting meaning?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex, lasting impacts of life events.
