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It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be that we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are - One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Alfred (Lord) Tennyson#115

LifeDeathAgingStrengthResilienceHeroismWillWillpower

About this quote

What does it mean?
Even if strength fades with age, the spirit remains heroic and resolved to strive and not give up.
In plain terms
We might be weaker now, but our will to keep trying is still strong.
What can you take from it?
Resolve matters more than physical strength.

Where it applies

  • recovering from failure
  • aging gracefully
  • facing terminal illness

Putting it to work

  • commit to a cause despite obstacles
  • teach resilience to others
  • maintain dignity in decline

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to not yield?
  • Where do you find strength when you feel weak?

Another view

Willpower alone cannot always overcome physical or systemic barriers.

More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson

  1. The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks; The long day wanes; the slow moon climbs; the deep Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends. 'Tis not too lat…

    Permalink to quote #114
  2. The bodies and the bones of those That strove in other days to pass, Are wither'd in the thorny close, Or scatter'd blanching on the grass. He gazes on the sil…

    Permalink to quote #116
  3. Souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought with me - That ever with a frolic welcome took The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed Free hearts, free for…

    Permalink to quote #113

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