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Meaning
The speaker reflects on a painful experience and says that what first felt harmful later became meaningful. The quote suggests that sorrow or loss can eventually be understood as something that changes a person for the better. It frames hardship as something that may reveal value only with time.
When It Was Said
2006
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
"The Uses of Sorrow"
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote: "The Uses of Sorrow."
Did You Know?
It is cited on Wikiquote as "The Uses of Sorrow."
About Mary Oliver
American poet
Mary Oliver was an American poet whose work reached wide audiences, and who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and the National Book Award in 1992. She is known for poetry shaped by close attention to the natural world. Her writing draws much of its force from nature, solitary walks, and a lasting sense of wonder. It is marked by vivid images, spiritual feeling, and plain language, qualities that made her one of the best-selling poets in American history.
More from Mary Oliver (131 quotes) →Keep reading Mary Oliver
- “Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we…”Mary Oliver
- “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”Mary Oliver
- “I very much wished not to be noticed, and to be left alone, and I sort of succeeded.”Mary Oliver
- “Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down…”Mary Oliver
Love: more sayings
- “Nayanthara stopped signing films when she was at the pinnacle of her career for our love, and we wanted to ge…”Prabhu Deva
- “I was realizing something I should have known by using my intelligence, without ever having gone to their fla…”Doris Lessing
- “But I love singing, and I've been singing backup for friends' bands.”Alia Shawkat
READ THE SOURCE
Books by Mary Oliver
Poems
1992
Dog Songs
2014
A thousand mornings
2012
Blue horses
2014
Devotions
2017