I balanced all, brought all to mind, the years to come seemed waste of breath, a waste of breath the years behind, in balance with this life, this death.

Meaning

The quote reflects a simple truth about wisdom. It conveys that wisdom grows through experience, while hinting that understanding takes time.

Theme

Across cultures, wisdom remains a recurring subject. Many reflect on it since people seek clarity and insight. This quote fits that tradition, highlighting that listening brings understanding.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to William Butler Yeats, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

Its rhythmical and compact form uses contrast to strengthen the statement.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
wisdom grows through experience.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we learn from our experiences.