He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sunrise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trying to keep joy permanently kills it, while letting it pass brings eternity.
- In plain terms
- Hold onto moments lightly; trying to keep them ruins them.
- What can you take from it?
- Appreciate experiences without trying to possess them permanently.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can we truly experience joy without trying to keep it?
Another view
The idea of eternity may not resonate with secular views.
More from William Blake
Then old Nobodaddy aloft Farted and belched and coughed, And said, 'I love hanging and drawing and quartering Every bit as well as war and slaughtering.'
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