“Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways.”
-- Stephen Vincent Benet
What are your thoughts?
2007-08-31 14:32:53 · 21 answers · asked by Kallan 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Salaam, Ibrahim. I've just been busy, my friend. I hope all is well with you and yours as well. HUGS!
2007-08-31 14:46:11 · update #1
(((((((Shihan)))))))
(((((((Jacky)))))))))
2007-09-01 00:46:37 · update #2
That is also how life is gained, moment by moment. We are not so aware of the significance of the events in our lives until they are passed. We are purposed, it would appear, to look at life as a retrospective. We view our own selves unimportantly until we perchance to glance back and see our reflection, fading in the distance. It is then that we see our beauty; until that time, it is the precious charge of those who are dear in our lives to see our beauty for us.
It need not be a sad thing, though, this passing. A sunset is a very beautiful thing, after all.
2007-08-31 14:57:05 · answer #1 · answered by Jack B, sinistral 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I can understand what Stephen Vincent Benet means by his statement, but I find it depressing. I do not care to interpret my life as lost simply because my every action is not vibrantly meaningful as defined by others. That is not to say I am not a caring person because I believe that I am. Still, I may "waste time" if my life were to be judged by the Judge of Life, yet I am enjoying it and am living so as to be happy so far as I am able, and I tend not to regret my past and personal events and behavior which are not reparable in the present. I think that Thomas Jefferson's concept (from the Declaration of Independence) wherein the "Pursuit of Happiness" is an inalienable right of humanity is far more upbeat and optimistic as a template for living!
2007-08-31 23:00:46 · answer #2 · answered by Lynci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funny how we think about "life" and even "dying" when we have extra time on our hands. I am 64 years old and when I am working on a big project or when I am supporting a "greater cause" -- I don't see my life as lost minute by minute or or day by dragging day, and I don't have any uncaring ways or thoughts. Instead, my wife and I are either working, or being thrilled by our accomplishments, or appreciating a restful week-end.
In short: Rest not, worry not, work hard and celebrate what you and your friends have done together.
Uncle Wayne
2007-08-31 22:18:35 · answer #3 · answered by Unkie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I feel that most people survive rather than live. We work to pay the bills and don't have that much time to really appreciate all that is going on around us. I sat the other day and thought where has this last year gone? What have I done that is in any way significant? I try to do the best for those I care for and rarely have time to consider myself. It's time we all really tried to start living and enjoying what short time we have here, it is an amazing place if only we took the trouble to appreicate it.
2007-09-01 05:47:09 · answer #4 · answered by Moon Maid 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yipes I am only 732 (at last birthday) and you lot would have me in my grave in a trice. I need at least another thousand or two before I even contemplate rescinding the pleasures of the flesh for those of the spirit. Live now I say tomorrow is too far away and if you die you will miss an infinity of time before you even know it's basic appeal. The trouble with eternity is it's too damn short _ we don't have any of it to waste get out there an party before it's too late.
Hugs n kisses to all my sexy girlfriends out there hopefully I'll see you soon when/as I work round to your page! lol
2007-08-31 23:02:55 · answer #5 · answered by scrambulls 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Deep and serious thinking here. I'm not sure if I try not to think of my days as dragging by. He sounds like he may have been a little depressed when he wrote this. I write poetry and I have found that some of my best works were when I was depressed.
2007-09-01 07:09:36 · answer #6 · answered by pamkayvan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not think it is pessimistic at all!! I think this statement is telling us to not waste a moment. If we worry about yesterday or tomorrow or any moment other than now, our lives will be dragged out, lacking emotional sustenance, and we will lose the most precious moments of it because we will miss the minutes we spend focused on anything except the now.
This quote tells me to stay aware and alert right now, for right now, in right now, because it is right now.
(((Kallan)))
2007-08-31 21:59:06 · answer #7 · answered by Shihan 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As salaamu 'alaikym, my friend.
It seems a bit pessimistic.
I view life with much more joy than sorrow and try to live it in the same manner.
You always find interesting quotes which I enjoy.
I haven't seen you lately, and I hope that everything has been well with you.
Ma'a salaam.
2007-08-31 21:41:08 · answer #8 · answered by Big Bill 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
very accurate to a point, and I'm sure it has happened to most of us, i know it has happened to me. its all too easy to get bogged down in the monotony of every day life and then realise days/weeks have slipped by un noticed. grab life warmly by the throat and give it a dammed good shake.
2007-09-01 05:49:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that is very profound, and true. Years can pass, just going through the motions, not thinking and questioning and living life consciously. Basically, we waste our lives by not doing, enjoying, and reflecting.
2007-08-31 21:38:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋