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About this quote

What does it mean?
In a cataclysmic future, even the mightiest structures and symbols will collapse.
In plain terms
All great powers can fall.
What can you take from it?
Do not cling to worldly status.

Where it applies

  • political upheaval
  • natural disaster
  • personal crisis

Putting it to work

  • stay humble
  • prepare for change

Questions to consider

  • What can we learn from the inevitability of decline?
  • How should we act knowing all things are temporary?

Another view

It may inspire fatalism rather than constructive action.

More from Heinrich Heine

  1. What! Think you that my flashes show me Only in lightnings to excel? Believe me, friends, you do not know me, For I can thunder quite as well.

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. Experience is a good school. But the fees are high.

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. Oh what lies there are in kisses! And their guile so well prepared! Sweet the snaring is; but this is Sweeter still, to be ensnared.

    Permalink to quote #24

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