"Man appears for a little while to laugh and weep, to work and play, and then to go to make room for those who shall follow him in the never-ending cycle"
About this Quote
Aiden Wilson Tozer's quote assesses the ephemeral nature of human existence within the more comprehensive continuum of life. The phrase "Man stands for a bit" underscores the brevity of human life. In the grand plan of time, our lives are however short lived moments, mere blips in the limitless timeline of presence.
Tozer captures the essence of human experience with the words "to laugh and weep, to work and play". These activities represent the duality and fullness of human life. "Laugh and weep" hints at the psychological spectrum we traverse, from pleasure to grief. It highlights the richness of our emotional experiences and how they define much of our human journey. Similarly, "to work and play" suggests the balance between our responsibilities and our satisfaction. Work symbolizes our pursuits, commitments, and contributions to society, while play represents leisure, imagination, and individual satisfaction.
The latter part of the quote, "and then to go to make room for those who shall follow him in the nonstop cycle", meditates on the cycle of life and death. Our departure from life is unavoidable, making area for future generations. Here, Tozer reminds us of our interconnectedness and duty to those who follow. Each generation inherits the world from the previous one and, in turn, bestows it to the next, perpetuating an everlasting rhythm.
Through this reflection, Tozer invites us to consider our existence beyond individual death. He suggests a profound humility in recognizing our short-term role in a much bigger, continuous cycle. Life, with its happiness and struggles, is a shared human experience, highlighting the continuity and interconnectedness of all people across time. Ultimately, Tozer prompts readers to discover meaning in taking part in this cycle, accepting life's intrinsic impermanence and valuing the legacy we leave for future generations.
More details
About the Author