Meaning: This quote by Walter Pater encapsulates the idea of living life to the fullest and embracing the beauty and brevity of our experiences. Pater, a 19th-century English essayist and critic, was known for his views on aestheticism and the pursuit of experiences that evoke intense emotions and sensations. In this quote, he emphasizes the importance of fully immersing oneself in the present moment, rather than getting lost in abstract theories and intellectual pursuits.

Pater's emphasis on the "splendour of our experience" speaks to the idea of savoring the richness and depth of life's moments. It suggests that there is inherent beauty and wonder in the experiences we encounter, and that we should strive to fully engage with and appreciate them. This can be interpreted as a call to embrace the sensory and emotional aspects of life, to revel in the sights, sounds, and feelings that make up our existence.

The phrase "awful brevity" acknowledges the fleeting nature of these experiences. Life is transient, and moments of joy, beauty, and intensity are often all too brief. Pater's use of the word "awful" here may be understood as a recognition of the sorrow or regret that can accompany the realization of how quickly these moments pass. However, it also serves as a reminder of the preciousness of time and the urgency of fully embracing the present.

The notion of "gathering all we are into one desperate effort to see and touch" evokes a sense of immediacy and intensity. It suggests a wholehearted and concentrated attempt to engage with life, as if one's entire being is focused on experiencing and connecting with the world. Pater's use of the word "desperate" conveys a sense of urgency and determination, emphasizing the need to seize the moment and fully immerse oneself in the present experience.

Finally, Pater asserts that in the face of such intense experiences, there will hardly be time to "make theories about the things we see and touch." This can be interpreted as a critique of over-intellectualizing or over-analyzing life's experiences. Pater seems to suggest that the immediacy and intensity of lived experiences are better served by direct engagement and emotional connection, rather than by abstract theorizing or detached contemplation.

In conclusion, Walter Pater's quote encapsulates a call to embrace life's splendor and brevity, to wholeheartedly engage with the present moment, and to eschew over-intellectualization in favor of direct, intense experience. It serves as a reminder to savor the beauty and intensity of life, and to fully immerse oneself in the richness of each fleeting moment.