How would interpret this poem written by Rabindranath Tagore?
It is as follows:
Life is given to us, we earn it by giving it.

Does it mean God gives life to us and we earn the life by sacrificing the life?
Or does it mean our ancestors give life to us and we earn the life by giving the life to our descendants?
Thank you.

Question

How would interpret this poem written by Rabindranath Tagore?
It is as follows:
Life is given to us, we earn it by giving it.

Does it mean God gives life to us and we earn the life by sacrificing the life?
Or does it mean our ancestors give life to us and we earn the life by giving the life to our descendants?
Thank you.

Answer

Hi Wu,
Although I am not very good at analyzing poetry, my best guess would be he meant something like what you said in your first guess. He was alive during the freedom strugle of India, and also wrote the national anthem. I think context plays an important role as well, so I think he is encouraging people to join the freedom fight, and asking them to sacrifice their lives for a greater good.

Answer

Has no obvious meaning in English. "giving it" has no obvious meaning.

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