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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker seeks hidden truths in people's hidden desires but finds only intangible forces.
In plain terms
I try to find everyone's secrets, but I only find wind and noise.
What can you take from it?
Seeking absolute answers in others may lead to emptiness.

Where it applies

  • seeking truth in others
  • exploring hidden motives
  • interrogation

Putting it to work

  • accept limits of knowledge
  • observe quietly

Questions to consider

  • What secrets are you seeking?
  • Why do we ask so much?

Another view

The tone suggests all answers are unknowable which may not be true.

More from Conrad Aiken

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  3. Come back, true love! Sweet youth, return!- But time goes on, and will, unheeding, Though hands will reach, and eyes will yearn, And the wild days set true hea…

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