Art Quote by William Butler Yeats
“Speech after long silence; it is right, All other lovers being estranged or dead . . . That we descant and yet again descant Upon the supreme theme of Art and Song: Bodily decrepitude is wisdom; young We loved each other and were ignorant.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Second Coming, 1919
The speaker reflects on aging, love, and the paradox that physical decline brings deeper insight, while youthful love was naïve.
In simple terms: Aging brings wisdom, youthful love was naive.
Key Takeaway
Embrace learning from age, recognize past naïveté.
Themes
aging
wisdom
love
nostalgia
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- relationships
- creative work
- health challenges
Key Concepts
existentialism
paradox
reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor past love while accepting present frailty?
- What does true wisdom look like in old age?
A Different Perspective
Physical decline does not guarantee wisdom; insight may still be limited.
