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About this quote

What does it mean?
The famous line marks a moment of revolution where change is total and mixed with terror.
In plain terms
Everything changed completely and a new terrible beauty was born.
What can you take from it?
Change can be beautiful but also terrifying.

Where it applies

  • political upheaval
  • personal crises
  • historical moments

Putting it to work

  • embrace change
  • expect consequences

Questions to consider

  • What change do you want?
  • Are you ready for total change?

Another view

Change often brings destruction too.

More from William Butler Yeats

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  3. The darkness drops again; but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And what rough beast, its hour come …

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