Not to discriminate every moment some passionate attitude in those about us, and in the very brilliancy of their gifts some tragic dividing on their ways, is, on this short day of frost and sun, to sleep before evening.

The quote "Not to discriminate every moment some passionate attitude in those about us, and in the very brilliancy of their gifts some tragic dividing on their ways, is, on this short day of frost and sun, to sleep before evening." by Walter Pater reflects on the importance of perception, empathy, and the transience of life. Pater, a 19th-century essayist and critic, suggests that failing to recognize the unique and often intense emotions—passionate attitudes—in those around us, as well as the struggles hidden within their brilliance, is a kind of spiritual blindness. He metaphorically warns that ignoring these moments is akin to "sleeping before evening," missing the richness and complexity of life on a day that is fleeting and fragile like frost and sun.

This quote underscores the urgency of awareness and appreciation. Pater’s use of imagery—“short day of frost and sun”—evokes the fleeting nature of human experience and the delicate balance between beauty and hardship. The tragic dividing he mentions refers to the internal conflicts and challenges that even the most gifted people face, which often go unnoticed by others. His words encourage us to be attentive and sensitive to these nuances, embracing the full spectrum of human existence.

The origin of this quote comes from Pater’s philosophical and aesthetic writings, where he often explored themes of beauty, mortality, and human emotion. His work is rooted in the aesthetic movement, which valued the intensity of experience and the cultivation of sensitivity toward art and life. This particular reflection calls for a deeper engagement with the people and moments around us, emphasizing the importance of recognizing both the brilliance and the tragedy inherent in life.

Ultimately, Pater’s quote is a poetic reminder to live fully awake—to truly see and understand the passions and pains of those around us before time slips away. It urges us not to sleep through the complexities of human existence but to embrace them, enriching our own lives and connections.