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Thou waitest for the spark from heaven! and we, Light half-believers of our casual creeds, Who never deeply felt, nor clearly will'd, Whose insight never has borne fruit in deeds, Whose vague resolves never have been fulfill'd; For whom each year we see Breeds new beginnings, disappointments new; Who hesitate and falter life away, And lose to-morrow the ground won to-day- Ah! do not we, wanderer! await it too?

Matthew Arnold#69

PhilosophyFaithMotivationActionDisappointment

About this quote

What does it mean?
We wait for divine inspiration, yet our half‑believing, unfulfilled resolve leads to repeated disappointment and wasted time.
In plain terms
Waiting for miracles while doing nothing wastes life.
What can you take from it?
Take action instead of hoping for external salvation.

Where it applies

  • discussing procrastination
  • examining spiritual complacency

Putting it to work

  • set concrete goals
  • replace hope with effort

Questions to consider

  • What holds you back from acting?
  • How can you turn belief into deeds?

Another view

Some may find genuine inspiration in faith.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. Thee at the ferry Oxford riders blithe, Returning home on summer-nights, have met Crossing the stripling Thames at Bab-lock-hithe, Trailing in the cool stream …

    Permalink to quote #68
  2. And amongst us one, Who most has suffer'd, takes dejectedly His seat upon the intellectual throne.

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. The day in his hotness, The strife with the palm; The night in her silence, The stars in their calm.

    Permalink to quote #67

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