Dates Quote by Thomas Hardy
““She philosophically noted dates as they came past in the revolution of the year. Her own birthday, and every other day individualized by incidents in which she had taken some share. She suddenly thought, one afternoon, that there was another date, of greater importance than all those; that of her own death; a day which lay sly and unseen among all the other days of the year, giving no sign or sound when she annually passed over it; but not the less surely there. When was it?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Return of the Native, 1878
The passage reflects on how personal milestones fade into the inevitable of death, a date that is certain yet unnoticed.
In simple terms: Death is the ultimate, unnoticed date.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mortality to value each day.
Themes
mortality
time
reflection
Mood
contemplative
somber
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- memorial planning
- philosophical discussions
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
existentialism
impermanence
life cycles
Questions to Reflect On
- How does awareness of death shape your daily choices?
- What moments do you cherish most?
A Different Perspective
May cause anxiety or fatalism if dwelled upon excessively.
