“The Eagle soars in the summit of Heaven,The Hunter with his dogs pursues his circuit.O perpetual revolution of configured stars,O perpetual recurrence of determined seasons,O world of spring and autumn, birth and dyingThe endless cycle of idea and action,Endless invention, endless experiment,Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance,All our ignorance brings us nearer to death,But nearness to death no nearer to GOD.Where is the Life we have lost in living?Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuriesBring us farther from GOD and nearer to the Dust.”
Analysis
In this passage from T.S. Eliot's poem, the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the universe. The imagery of the soaring eagle and the hunter pursuing his circuit symbolize the constant movement and change in the world. The speaker laments the endless cycle of birth and death, knowledge and ignorance, action and stillness. The mention of the "perpetual recurrence of determined seasons" and the "endless cycle of idea and action" illustrates the never-ending cycle of life and knowledge. The speaker questions the value of knowledge without understanding the deeper meaning behind it and the loss of wisdom in pursuit of information. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that despite all our knowledge and experiences, we are no closer to understanding God and the true meaning of life. This reflection on the passage highlights Eliot's exploration of the complexities and mysteries of existence.
Modern Relevance
In this poem by T.S. Eliot, the speaker reflects on the never-ending cycles of life and the pursuit of knowledge, questioning the true essence of existence and our relationship to God. The themes of constant change and the quest for meaning are still highly relevant in today's fast-paced, information-driven society. Let's explore how these ideas can be applied to our modern lives.
Reflection on the Endless Cycle of Life and Knowledge
"The Eagle soars in the summit of Heaven, The Hunter with his dogs pursues his circuit. O perpetual revolution of configured stars, O perpetual recurrence of determined seasons, O world of spring and autumn, birth and dying The endless cycle of idea and action, Endless invention, endless experiment, Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness; Knowledge of speech, but not of silence; Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word. All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance, All our ignorance brings us nearer to death, But nearness to death no nearer to GOD. Where is the Life we have lost in living? Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries Bring us farther from GOD and nearer to the Dust." - T.S. Eliot
Reflection Questions
In this thought-provoking excerpt by T.S. Eliot, the poet contemplates the never-ending cycle of life and death, knowledge and ignorance, and the distance between humanity and the divine. Reflect on the following questions:
- How does the imagery of the eagle soaring and the hunter pursuing his circuit reflect on the perpetual nature of life and the universe?
- What do you think Eliot is trying to convey about the continuous cycle of birth and dying, and the limitations of human knowledge and understanding?
- How does the idea of knowledge bringing us closer to our ignorance and death challenge your perspective on learning and growth?
- Reflect on the concept of distance from God and closeness to dust in relation to the passage of time and the evolving nature of human civilization.
- Consider the questions posed at the end of the excerpt - where is the life, wisdom, and knowledge that seems to have been lost in the pursuit of progress and innovation?
Similar quotes
“O perpetual revolution of configured stars, o perpetual recurrence of determined seasons, o world of spring and autumn, birth and dying! The endless cycle of idea and action, endless invention, endless experiment, brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness; knowledge of speech, but not of silence; knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word. All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance, all our ignorance brings us nearer to death, but nearness to death no nearer to God. Where is the Life we have lost in living? Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries bring us farther from God and nearer to the Dust.”
“The endless cycle of idea and action,Endless invention, endless experiment,Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance,All our ignorance brings us nearer to death,But nearness to death no nearer to God.Where is the Life we have lost in living?Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuriesBring us farther from God and nearer to the Dust.”
“Endless invention, endless experiment,Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.Where is the Life we have lost in living?Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?”
“Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? The cycles of heaven in twenty centuries have bought us farther from God and nearer to the dust”
“Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word...Where is the Life we have lost in living?Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”