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About this quote

What does it mean?
Yeats reflects on a man who burned through life intensely, leaving nothing behind but a blackened chimney.
In plain terms
Some people consume their whole world quickly and leave no trace.
What can you take from it?
Intense living may leave little lasting legacy.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on a life
  • evaluating legacy

Putting it to work

  • assess life choices
  • consider mortality

Questions to consider

  • What makes a life memorable?
  • How quickly does fame fade?

Another view

The metaphor of the chimney may be obscure without specific context.

More from William Butler Yeats

  1. Unwearied still, lover by lover, They paddle in the cold Companionable streams or climb the air; Their hearts have not grown old.

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  2. I had thought, seeing how bitter is that wind That shakes the shutter, to have brought to mind All those that manhood tried, or childhood loved Or boyish intel…

    Permalink to quote #72
  3. The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky.

    Permalink to quote #69

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