Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, A Ps

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,Life is but an empty dream!For the soul is dead that slumbers,and things are not what they seem.Life is real! Life is earnest!And the grave is not its goal;Dust thou art; to dust returnest,Was not spoken of the soul.Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,is our destined end or way;But to act, that each tomorrowFind us farther than today.Art is long, and Time is fleeting,And our heats, though stout and brave,Still, like muffled drums, are beatingFuneral marches to the grave.In the world's broad field of battle,In the bivouac of life,Be not like dumb, driven cattle!Be a hero in the strife!Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!Let the dead Past bury its deadAct,- act in the living Present!Heart within, and God o'erhead.Footprints, that perhaps another,Sailing o'er life's solemn main,a forlorn and shipwrecked brother,Seeing, shall take heart again.Let us then be up and doing,with a heart for any fate;Still achieving, still pursuing,Learn to labor and to wait.

Summary

This quote is a part of the poem "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poet argues against the belief that life is meaningless and emphasizes the importance of action and purpose. He asserts that life is real and should be lived earnestly. The poem urges individuals not to be passive or controlled by circumstances, but to bravely face life's challenges and strive to make each day count. It encourages readers to trust in themselves, seize opportunities in the present, and work towards achieving their goals while remaining patient and persevering in life's journey.