“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy” – Rabindranath Tagore
Quotes for Essay Paper UPSC
1. Meaning and significance:
The quote describes a progression of understanding about life and happiness:
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy”: This represents a naive or immature view of life, where happiness is seen as something passive and effortless.
“I awoke and saw that life was service”: Upon awakening (metaphorically growing up or gaining wisdom), the speaker realizes that life is actually about serving others or contributing to society.
“I acted and behold, service was joy”: By putting this realization into practice, the speaker discovers that true joy comes from serving others.
The significance of this quote lies in its challenge to the common notion that happiness is something we simply receive or experience passively. Instead, Tagore suggests that real, lasting joy comes from actively contributing to the world around us. This aligns with many philosophical and spiritual traditions that emphasize the importance of selflessness and service in achieving a fulfilling life.
2. Using the quote in an essay:
To effectively use this quote in an essay, you could incorporate it as follows:
In his profound observation, Rabindranath Tagore encapsulates a transformative journey of understanding life’s true essence: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” This insight challenges our conventional notions of happiness, suggesting that genuine fulfillment stems not from passive experiences but from active engagement in serving others. Tagore’s words invite us to reconsider our approach to seeking joy, encouraging a shift from self-centered pursuits to a more outward-focused, altruistic lifestyle. By framing service as a source of joy rather than a burden, this quote offers a compelling perspective on how we can find meaning and satisfaction in our lives through contributing to the well-being of others and our communities.
