Arrows Quote by Ted Chiang
“Four things do not come back: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, and the neglected opportunity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Stories of Your Life and Others, 2002
Words spoken, arrows launched, past lives, and missed chances cannot be reclaimed, highlighting the permanence of actions and regrets.
In simple terms: Some things, once done, cannot be undone.
Key Takeaway
Act with care and seize opportunities.
Themes
responsibility
time
regret
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- career decisions
- legal matters
- health choices
Key Concepts
impermanence
consequence
choice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize actions knowing they’re irreversible?
- What opportunities are you neglecting now?
A Different Perspective
Even small actions can have lasting impact, making foresight difficult.
