Fear not, Dear Friend, but Freely Live your Days

Name: Fear not, Dear Friend, but Freely Live your Days
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work presents a poignant exploration of the themes of courage, selflessness, and the pursuit of happiness. It addresses a friend, encouraging them to embrace life fully, despite the inevitable suffering that may accompany it. The speaker expresses a willingness to sacrifice their own lesser existence for the happiness of the friend, highlighting the deep bond and admiration felt. The text emphasizes the importance of living freely and bravely, urging the friend to explore life without fear. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from trying various experiences and ultimately discovering what brings genuine joy. The speaker and others who admire the friend find solace in their happiness, indicating a collective investment in the friend's well-being. The imagery of sunlit paths symbolizes hope and positivity, while the notion of being "made whole" reflects the transformative power of love and connection. The work conveys a message of resilience, encouraging the friend to navigate life's challenges with determination and an open heart. The underlying sentiment is one of support and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that personal growth and happiness are intertwined with the relationships we cultivate.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 177 words

First lines

FEAR not, dear friend, but freely live your days Though lesser lives should suffer. Such am I, A lesser life, that what is his of sky Gladly would give for you, and what of praise.

Step, without trouble, down the sunlit ways.

We that have touched your raiment, are made whole From all the selfish cankers of man's soul, And we would see you happy, dear, or die.

Therefore be brave, and therefore, dear, be free; Try all things resolutely, till the best, Out of all lesser betters, you shall find; And we, who have learned greatness from you, we, Your lovers, with a still, contented mind, See you well anchored in some port of rest.

What this Textopian page supports

Fear not, Dear Friend, but Freely Live your Days is listed on Textopian as an essay by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
Length: 177 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for Fear not, Dear Friend, but Freely Live your Days by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts of living freely and the nature of happiness.
Inspirational — The text encourages bravery and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, individual experience, and nature aligns with Romantic ideals.