T.S. Eliot, a towering figure in modernist poetry, not only reshaped the literary world but also left behind a treasure trove of thought-provoking quotes. These quotes have resonated with readers for decades, touching on a wide range of human experiences, from the nature of time and existence to the struggles of modern life. Known for his complex yet accessible reflections, Eliot’s words continue to inspire individuals across various disciplines.
This article presents 46 of the most famous and enduring quotes from T.S. Eliot. Each quote, presented without commentary, serves as a window into the profound ideas Eliot explored throughout his career. From existential reflections to powerful statements on the human condition, these quotes offer insights that are as relevant today as when they were first written.
46 Famous Quotes By T.S. Eliot That Inspire Thought
1. “The greatest proof of our ignorance is our certainty.”
2. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
3. “In my beginning is my end.”
4. “The most important thing about language is its power to change reality.”
5. “We are the hollow men. We are the stuffed men.”
6. “Time present and time past are both perhaps present in time future, and time future contained in time past.”
7. “The greatest thing is to live with love and hope.”
8. “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”
9. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
10. “Do I dare disturb the universe?”
11. “The end is where we start from.”
12. “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
13. “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
14. “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
15. “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.”
16. “Between the idea and the reality, between the motion and the act, falls the Shadow.”
17. “The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless.”
18. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
19. “The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection.”
20. “I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”
21. “The words of the dead are heard, and the words of the living die with them.”
22. “There are no secrets that time does not reveal.”
23. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
24. “This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper.”
25. “Hurry up please, it’s time.”
26. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
27. “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
28. “A tradition is a way of breaking with the past.”
29. “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
30. “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”
31. “We are all not only our thoughts but also our fears.”
32. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
33. “It is not the same thing to talk of trees as to walk in them.”
34. “The first step is the hardest.”
35. “I do not believe that it is possible to talk about any human subject without reference to death.”
36. “What is the purpose of the human race if not to leave behind meaning for the generations that follow?”
37. “There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in the day of sorrow.”
38. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
39. “The way up and the way down are one and the same.”
40. “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”
41. “The idea of a ‘lost generation’ is not unique to the twentieth century.”
42. “Life is only a vision, a dream.”
43. “The night was made for loving, and you are meant to be in it.”
44. “We must be still and still moving.”
45. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
46. “To make an end is to make a beginning.”
Conclusion
T.S. Eliot’s quotes transcend time and continue to captivate minds with their eloquence and depth. His reflections on life, time, love, and existence resonate across generations, providing wisdom that remains pertinent. By contemplating his words, we gain access to timeless insights that challenge and expand our understanding of the world. Eliot’s quotes are more than just lines of poetry; they are windows into the complexities of the human experience. As you explore each of these 46 quotes, you’ll discover a thought-provoking truth that might just change the way you perceive your own journey through life.
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