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About this quote

What does it mean?
It asks where a strong spirit is now and asserts that its power must have served a purpose.
In plain terms
Where is the strong soul now and surely its strength was not wasted.
What can you take from it?
Trust that a strong soul's work was not in vain.

Where it applies

  • mourning
  • reflecting on legacy
  • seeking meaning

Putting it to work

  • comforting others
  • writing tributes
  • analyzing heroes

Questions to consider

  • Where do you find strength in grief?
  • Does every effort have a purpose?

Another view

It assumes a moral universe where strength always has purpose.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. Coldly, sadly descends The autumn evening. The Field Strewn with its dank yellow drifts Of wither'd leaves, and the elms, Fade into dimness apace, Silent;-hard…

    Permalink to quote #101
  2. What is the course of the life Of mortal men on the earth?- Most men eddy about Here and there-eat and drink, Chatter and love and hate, Gather and squander, a…

    Permalink to quote #103
  3. Charge once more, then, and be dumb! Let the victors, when they come, When the forts of folly fall, Find thy body by the wall.

    Permalink to quote #100

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