Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.
Meaning
Life often carries underlying struggles even during moments of happiness.
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About the author
William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) was one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and a key figure in Irish literature. He played a major role in the Irish Literary Revival and helped found the Abbey Theatre. Yeats’s poetry evolved from romantic and mystical themes to more modern and political subjects, reflecting Ireland’s cultural and national identity. In 1923, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Some of his most famous works include The Second Coming and Sailing to Byzantium.
Why This Quote Matters
This quote sits well alongside other thoughts on Leadership from William Butler Yeats. Strip away the phrasing and you’re left with this: Life often carries underlying struggles even during moments of happiness.
It works best as a quiet check-in, not a slogan to recite. Small and steady beats sudden and short-lived, every time.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Instead of a resolution, try a single rule tied to Life for seven days. Ask “what would William Butler Yeats notice here?” and adjust one detail.
A short, repeatable version beats an ambitious one you abandon by Friday. Small, repeatable, and honest beats big and occasional.
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