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About this quote

What does it mean?
Living intensely burns energy quickly but creates something beautiful while it lasts.
In plain terms
Live hard and fast even if it doesn't last long.
What can you take from it?
Intensity of life matters more than its duration.

Where it applies

  • living fully
  • taking risks

Putting it to work

  • self-care
  • career choices

Questions to consider

  • How long should you burn bright?
  • Is intensity worth it?

Another view

It ignores the cost of burnout.

More from Edna St. Vincent Millay

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