Meaning: This quote by Samuel Coleridge, a renowned English poet, reflects on the nature of friendships and the passage of time. The quote invites us to acknowledge that as time goes by, our relationships with old friends may change. Coleridge uses the metaphor of old friends burning dim, likening them to lamps in noisome (unpleasant or harmful) air. Despite the inevitable changes that occur in friendships, he encourages us to continue loving our friends for who they are in the present, and not to diminish our love for them based on any perceived differences from the past.

The quote encapsulates the idea that friendships, like many aspects of life, are subject to change. As time passes, people grow and evolve, and their relationships with others undergo transformations. Coleridge's use of the metaphor of lamps burning dim in noisome air conveys a sense of fading or diminishing brightness, symbolizing the waning intensity of old friendships. However, the underlying message is not one of loss or regret, but rather a call to embrace and appreciate the enduring value of these relationships.

Coleridge's words also suggest that the essence of love and friendship transcends the constraints of time and circumstance. He urges us to love our friends for who they are at any given moment, regardless of how they may have changed from the past. This emphasis on accepting and cherishing friends for their current selves underscores the idea that genuine love and friendship are not contingent on static expectations, but rather on an ongoing connection and understanding.

Furthermore, the quote implies a sense of empathy and understanding towards our friends. It acknowledges that just as we ourselves have evolved over time, so too have our friends. By recognizing and accepting this natural progression, we can cultivate a deeper and more meaningful form of love and friendship. In a world that often prioritizes consistency and permanence, Coleridge's words serve as a reminder that the true essence of friendship lies in embracing the fluidity and growth inherent in human relationships.

Samuel Coleridge, the author of this quote, was a significant figure in the Romantic literary movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often explored themes of nature, imagination, and the human experience, and he was known for his lyrical and emotive poetry. Coleridge's own life was marked by personal challenges and changes, and it is possible to interpret this quote as reflective of his own experiences with friendships and the passage of time.

In conclusion, Samuel Coleridge's quote encapsulates a timeless and universal truth about the nature of friendships. It encourages us to embrace the evolving dynamics of relationships, to love and value our friends for who they are in the present, and to recognize the beauty and depth that can arise from understanding and accepting the changes that occur over time. Ultimately, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and friendship, transcending the boundaries of time and circumstance.