Meaning: The quote "A mass of dust, world's momentary slave, Is man, in state of our old Adam made, Soon born to die, soon flourishing to fade." by Barnabe Barnes, a 16th-century English poet, encapsulates a profound meditation on the transient and fragile nature of human existence. Through this quote, Barnes conveys the idea that human life is fleeting and transient, likening humans to a "mass of dust" and "world's momentary slave."

Barnes begins by describing humans as a "mass of dust," highlighting the humble and transient nature of human existence. This imagery evokes the biblical notion of humans being formed from the dust of the earth, emphasizing the transient and perishable nature of humanity. By likening humans to a "mass of dust," Barnes underscores the ephemeral and fragile quality of human life, suggesting that humans are transient beings in the grand scheme of the universe.

The phrase "world's momentary slave" further emphasizes the idea of human transience and impermanence. It conveys the notion that humans are subject to the fleeting and ephemeral nature of the world, bound by the constraints of time and mortality. This portrayal of humans as "world's momentary slave" underscores the transient and vulnerable nature of human existence, highlighting the limitations and temporality of human life.

Barnes then delves into the biblical imagery of "our old Adam," referencing the biblical figure of Adam, the first man created by God in the book of Genesis. By alluding to Adam, Barnes draws upon the biblical narrative of human creation and the fall of humanity, emphasizing the inherent mortality and frailty of human beings. The reference to "our old Adam" serves to underscore the universal condition of human frailty and mortality, linking human existence to the biblical narrative of human creation and fall.

The quote concludes with the poignant reflection that humans are "soon born to die, soon flourishing to fade." This phrase encapsulates the cyclical and transient nature of human life, highlighting the brief and fleeting nature of human flourishing. The juxtaposition of birth and death underscores the brevity and impermanence of human existence, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality and the transient nature of human achievements and aspirations.

Overall, Barnes' quote serves as a poignant reflection on the transient and fragile nature of human existence. Through vivid imagery and biblical allusions, Barnes conveys the idea that human life is fleeting and impermanent, emphasizing the universal condition of human mortality and the ephemeral nature of human flourishing. The quote serves as a timeless meditation on the human experience, inviting contemplation on the transient and fragile nature of human existence.