All things are subject to decay and change.
Meaning
Nothing in life remains constant forever. This quote emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to it.
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(1620–1706) was an English writer, diarist, and gardener known for his detailed diaries and contributions to literature and environmental thought. His writings provide valuable insight into 17th-century English society, politics, and culture. Evelyn also wrote about forestry and conservation, showing early awareness of environmental issues. His work reflects curiosity, discipline, and intellectual engagement. John Evelyn’s legacy continues to be important for historians and scholars studying early modern England.
Why This Quote Matters
Long after the words fade, John Evelyn’s take on Life tends to stick. Read slowly, it suggests that Nothing in life remains constant forever.
This quote emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to it. Return to it after setbacks; it reads differently each time. That’s the quiet value in returning to John Evelyn’s words.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
You can apply this quote in daily life by focusing on Life, Reality, Change and practicing what it implies. Track it loosely—one line a day is enough to notice a pattern.
Keep what’s useful, drop what feels forced, and stay flexible about the rest. That’s a reasonable place to start, and a fine place to return to.
Related quotes
-
“Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.”
Meaning: True freedom lies in how individuals respond to circumstances. Even when situations are imposed, one still has the power to choose their reaction. -
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
Meaning: It highlights influence of behavior. -
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
Meaning: This highlights the true cost of things in terms of time and effort. -
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Meaning: Le Guin highlights that experiences along the way are more important than the destination itself. Growth happens during the process. -
“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.”
Meaning: Purpose gives strength to endure suffering. Having meaning in life helps individuals overcome even the toughest challenges. -
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty.”
Meaning: Le Guin suggests that uncertainty is not a flaw but a fundamental part of existence. It creates possibilities, growth, and change, making life dynamic and meaningful. -
“The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it.”
Meaning: This emphasizes self-creation. -
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without.”
Meaning: It highlights vulnerability in love. -
“The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.”
Meaning: Reality is complex and not always aligned with human expectations.
