"When it comes to my own turn to lay my weapons down, I shall do so with thankfulness and fatigue, and whatever be my destiny afterward, I shall be glad to lie down with my fathers in honor. It is human at least, if not divine"
- Robert Louis Stevenson
About this Quote
The quote by Robert Louis Stevenson reflects an extensive moment of self-questioning and approval concerning the end of life. The metaphor of laying down weapons evokes the images of a soldier setting arms at the end of a fight, representing the weariness and relief that follows a long battle. This suggests that life, much like battle, is filled with challenges and challenges that require one to be resistant and brave.
Stevenson's use of "thankfulness and tiredness" shows a double sense of thankfulness for having actually lived and experienced life, alongside the fatigue that comes from sustaining it. There is recognition of the inevitability of mortality, suggesting a readiness to welcome it without fear or regret. This acceptance is recorded in the phrase "whatever be my destiny later," showcasing an openness to the secret of what lies beyond life, whether that be an afterlife or simply rest.
The expression "to lie down with my dads in honor" signifies a desire for self-respect and regard in death, along with a connection to ancestry and tradition. This belief talks to the universal human yearning for tradition and remembrance through household and history.
Lastly, the assertion that "it is human a minimum of, if not magnificent," shows the intrinsic human desire for understanding and peace at the end of life. This recommendation of the human condition-- of mortality and the look for significance-- resonates deeply. Stevenson sees this approval of death not necessarily as a magnificent revelation but as an important part of the human experience.
In summary, the quote carries a message of poignant approval and humbleness, commemorating the fulfillment of life's journey with grace and readiness. It highlights the appeal in concluding life with self-respect, connected to familial and common bonds, exposing a more comprehensive human mission for understanding and peace as life wanes.
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time"