Alive Quote by Stephen Vincent Benet
“God pity us indeed, for we are human, And do not always see, The vision when it comes, the shining change, Or, if we see it, do not follow it, Because it is too hard, too strange, too new, Too unbelievable, too difficult, Warring too much with common, easy ways, And now I know this, standing in this light, Who have been half alive these many years, Brooding on my own sorrow, my own pain, Saying "I am a barren bough. Expect, Nor fruit nor blossom from a barren bough."”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Light of Understanding, 1935
Human nature resists change because it feels unfamiliar and challenging, leading many to live half‑alive, missing growth.
In simple terms: People avoid new ideas because they seem hard and strange.
Key Takeaway
Embrace change despite discomfort.
Themes
change
human nature
resistance
growth
self‑reflection
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- career shifts
- creative pursuits
- spiritual awakening
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
comfort zone
Questions to Reflect On
- What changes have you avoided?
- How can you make new ideas feel familiar?
A Different Perspective
Change can be overwhelming and may cause fear of loss.
