Famous quote by Thomas Gray

Mobile Desktop
Alas, regardless of their doom, the little victims play! No sense have they of ills to come, nor care beyond today
Like

"Alas, regardless of their doom, the little victims play! No sense have they of ills to come, nor care beyond today"

- Thomas Gray

About this Quote

In the priced estimate lines from Thomas Gray, we find a poignant reflection on the innocence and oblivion of youth in the face of inevitable misfortunes. Gray's words, "Alas, no matter their doom, the little victims play!" draw attention to the vulnerability and innocence of children or those unburdened by the awareness of their fate. "Victims" recommends a foreboding future, possibly one marked by suffering, difficulty, or death. Regardless of the ominous "doom" that looms over them, these "little" beings continue to take part in play, which signifies the carefree nature and happy innocence quality of youth.

The next line, "No sense have they of ills to come, nor care beyond today," even more highlights the naiveté and present-focused frame of mind generally discovered in youth. These individuals are unaware of "ills to come," indicating a lack of awareness about future challenges and difficulties. Their world is bounded by the present moment, marked by instant happiness and satisfaction, with "no care beyond today." This underscores a temporal simpleness-- where the intricacies and concerns of adult issues and future anxieties are blissfully missing.

Gray's representation is both melancholic and reflective, offering a dual commentary. On one hand, it highlights the innocence and happiness of living in the moment, devoid of the problems of worry and stress. On the other hand, it hints at the inevitability of maturation and the loss of innocence, as these people are predestined to deal with the severe realities of life.

In essence, Gray's quote invites reflection on the short-term nature of innocence and the inevitability of development and misfortune. It acts as a suggestion of the bittersweet charm of youth, a time untainted by the understanding of life's complexities, yet watched by the inevitability of experience and understanding that maturity will bring.

About the Author

England Flag This quote is written / told by Thomas Gray between December 26, 1716 and June 30, 1771. He/she was a famous Poet from England. The author also have 12 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today - Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Hubbard
"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today"
Elbert Hubbard, Writer
Small: Dream as if youll live forever. Live as if youll die today - James Dean
James Dean
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today"
James Dean, Actor
Small: Today a reader, tomorrow a leader - Margaret Fuller
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader"
Margaret Fuller, Critic
Small: In thinking about nanotechnology today, whats most important is understanding where it leads, what nanotechnol
K. Eric Drexler
"In thinking about nanotechnology today, what's most important is understanding where it leads, what nanotechnology will look like after we reach the assembler breakthrough"
K. Eric Drexler, Scientist
Small: What you do today can improve all your tomorrows - Ralph Marston
Ralph Marston
"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows"
Ralph Marston, Writer
Small: The politicians promises of yesterday are the taxes of today - Mackenzie King
"The politician's promises of yesterday are the taxes of today"
Mackenzie King, Statesman
Small: If Jesus came back today, and saw what was going on in his name, hed never stop throwing up - Max von Sydow
"If Jesus came back today, and saw what was going on in his name, he'd never stop throwing up"
Max von Sydow, Actor
Small: Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong - Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
"Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong"
Ronald Reagan, President
Small: While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake - Henny Youngman
"While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake"
Henny Youngman, Comedian
Small: Yesterday is a cancelled check. Today is cash on the line. Tomorrow is a promissory note - Hank Stram
"Yesterday is a cancelled check. Today is cash on the line. Tomorrow is a promissory note"
Hank Stram, Athlete