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About this quote

What does it mean?
All that passes away is merely a metaphor.
In plain terms
Everything that ends is just a symbolic story.
What can you take from it?
Transient things are symbolic, not literal.

Where it applies

  • philosophical reflection
  • artistic interpretation

Putting it to work

  • view change as symbolic

Questions to consider

  • How do metaphors shape our perception of loss?
  • Can everything truly be reduced to a metaphor?

Another view

Metaphorical framing may downplay real loss.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. Wer immer strebend sich bemuht, Den konnen wir erlosen.

    Permalink to quote #83

  2. Das Ewig-Weibliche zieht uns hinan.

    Permalink to quote #85

  3. Nur der verdient sich Freiheit wie das Leben der taglich sie erobern muss.

    Permalink to quote #82

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