"Pleasure is a shadow, wealth is vanity, and power a pageant; but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment, perennial in frame, unlimited in space and indefinite in duration"

In this quote, DeWitt Clinton offers a profound reflection on the relative worth of pleasure, wealth, power, and understanding. The declaration is a meditation on the short-term nature of worldly possessions and the long-lasting quality of wisdom.

Clinton starts by identifying enjoyment as a "shadow". This recommends that pleasure is ephemeral and insubstantial. Simply as a shadow lacks substance and vanishes with the changing light, enjoyments are short lived and can rapidly vanish. They are brief experiences rather than lasting sources of satisfaction.

Wealth is referred to as "vanity", implying that it is lacking real significance. Vanity frequently signifies a fixation on superficial or hollow triumphes. Wealth, according to Clinton, fails to offer authentic, lasting worth. It can be viewed as having more to do with looks than with any extensive, intrinsic value.

Power is referred to as a "pageant", a short-term phenomenon that mesmerizes and entertains however lacks permanence. Like a parade that goes by, power undergoes the very same transience and is typically controlled by external influences or fades over time. The metaphor suggests that power is about efficiency and is naturally transient.

On the other hand, knowledge is portrayed as "happy in pleasure, seasonal in frame, unrestricted in area and indefinite in period". This paints a vibrant photo of knowledge as a source of deep and long lasting satisfaction. The word "happy" conveys intense pleasure, suggesting that the pursuit and belongings of knowledge can bring extensive satisfaction. Describing knowledge as "perennial" suggests that it is evergreen and resilient, capable of enduring the test of time. Its qualities of being "limitless in space and indefinite in duration" emphasize its boundless and everlasting nature. Unlike material belongings, knowledge is unlimited and classic, offering perpetual enrichment no matter scenarios.

Through this comparison, Clinton raises knowledge above other pursuits, presenting it as the most beneficial undertaking for its enduring and infinite potential to enhance one's life.