When I consider how my light is spent, Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker worries their life and talents are wasted before they are half done.
- In plain terms
- I feel like my time and abilities are used up in a dark world.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear of wasted potential drives anxiety about time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure a life well spent?
- What fears stop you from using your talents?
Another view
The perspective ignores what might still be accomplished.
More from John Milton
Peace hath her victories No less renowned than war.
Permalink to quote #29 Who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best: his state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; They also ser…
Permalink to quote #31 No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
Permalink to quote #28
Related quotes
My biggest fear is wasting my life.
Jason CastroJason Castro quote #11 'Time lost is time when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering.'
Dietrich BonhoefferDietrich Bonhoeffer quote #1 People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach 'retirement' age seem very admirable to me.
Helen HayesHelen Hayes quote #4