Meaning: This quote by DeWitt Clinton, a prominent American politician, reflects on the transient nature of pleasure, wealth, and power, while emphasizing the enduring and transformative nature of knowledge. In a world where material possessions and societal status often take precedence, Clinton's words serve as a reminder of the intrinsic and lasting value of knowledge.

The first part of the quote, "Pleasure is a shadow, wealth is vanity, and power a pageant," encapsulates the impermanence and superficiality of worldly pursuits. Pleasure, often fleeting and ephemeral, is likened to a mere shadow, hinting at its transient and insubstantial nature. Similarly, wealth is characterized as vanity, suggesting that the pursuit of material riches can be ultimately hollow and lacking in true fulfillment. Power, portrayed as a pageant, implies that it is a temporary display rather than a lasting substance. Clinton's choice of words effectively conveys the notion that these worldly pursuits are temporary and superficial, ultimately lacking enduring value.

The latter part of the quote, "but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment, perennial in frame, unlimited in space and indefinite in duration," serves as a stark contrast to the preceding description of pleasure, wealth, and power. Here, Clinton extols the virtues of knowledge, emphasizing its profound and enduring nature. The use of "ecstatic in enjoyment" implies that knowledge brings about a deep and profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Knowledge is portrayed as perennial, suggesting that it is enduring and persistent, in contrast to the fleeting nature of pleasure, wealth, and power. Furthermore, the description of knowledge as "unlimited in space and indefinite in duration" highlights its boundless and timeless nature, emphasizing its capacity to transcend physical constraints and endure across time.

In essence, Clinton's quote emphasizes the transformative and enduring nature of knowledge in contrast to the transient and superficial nature of pleasure, wealth, and power. His words encourage reflection on the true value of knowledge and its potential to bring lasting fulfillment and enrichment to individuals and societies.

DeWitt Clinton, the source of the quote, was a prominent American politician who served as the sixth Governor of New York and was a key figure in the development of the Erie Canal. His political career and contributions to infrastructure and economic development in New York underscore his understanding of the enduring value of knowledge and its role in shaping societal progress.

Overall, Clinton's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic and lasting value of knowledge amidst the transient and often superficial pursuits of pleasure, wealth, and power. It encourages individuals to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, recognizing its capacity to bring enduring fulfillment and contribute to the advancement of society.