Cease Quote by William Butler Yeats
“Man's life is thought, And he, despite his terror, cannot cease Ravening through century after century, Ravening, raging, and uprooting that he may come Into the desolation of reality.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Second Coming” by W. B. Yeats, 1919
Human existence is driven by relentless thought and yearning, pushing through fear toward an inevitable encounter with stark reality.
In simple terms: Thought drives us toward reality despite fear.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the drive, confront reality.
Themes
existence
thought
fear
Mood
poetic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative work
- personal growth
- spiritual seeking
Key Concepts
existentialism
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the desolation of reality” mean to you?
- How can you channel restless thought constructively?
A Different Perspective
Endless yearning may lead to disillusionment.
