Named source · c. 1790s

Eternity Quotes by William Blake: Context & Meanings

1 quotation linked to Eternity by or associated with William Blake, with source notes, explanations and related topics.

Read the source

Open a public or archival text connected with these quotations

Use these links when you want to inspect the wording in its wider work or edition.

Represented passages

Source identified1

Read & copy

“He who binds to himself a joy does the winged life destroy.”

Meaning & context

Trying to possess a joyful moment permanently can damage it, while accepting impermanence allows experience to remain alive and free.

Source details

Short poem commonly titled “Eternity”; Blake contrasts grasping with the passing movement of joy.