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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stevens observes a specific moment in Oley where nature feels so complete it stops questioning itself.
In plain terms
He argues that ultimate reality is accepted as good simply because it exists.
What can you take from it?
Acceptance of the present moment brings peace.

Where it applies

  • nature walks
  • quiet moments
  • contemplation

Putting it to work

  • practice gratitude
  • find peace in stillness

Questions to consider

  • When did you last accept things as they are?
  • Is stopping a form of peace?

Another view

It ignores that stagnation can sometimes be negative rather than serene.

More from Wallace Stevens

  1. That scrawny cry - It was A chorister whose c preceded the choir. It was part of the colossal sun, Surrounded by its choral rings, Still far away. It was like …

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  2. Let's see the very thing and nothing else. Let's see it with the hottest fire of sight. Burn everything not part of it to ash. Trace the gold sun about the whi…

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  3. At the earliest ending of winter, In March, a scrawny cry from outside Seemed like a sound in his mind. He knew that he heard it, A bird's cry, at daylight or …

    Permalink to quote #194

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