> "Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul."
The phrase "is but an empty dream" doesn't appear in this poem. However, the poem's message suggests that a life focused solely on material possessions, worldly success, or seeking pleasure is a "dream" that ultimately offers no lasting fulfillment.
Here's how the poem argues this:
* Life is real and earnest: The poem stresses the seriousness of life and the importance of living it with purpose.
* The grave is not its goal: The poem rejects the idea that death is the only endpoint, implying that our lives have a greater purpose beyond the physical.
* Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul: This line connects to the idea of the soul as something that transcends the physical body and continues beyond death.
The poem urges us to live a life of purpose, action, and contribution, rather than chasing ephemeral pleasures or material possessions. This message implies that a life focused on those things is ultimately "empty" because it fails to engage with the deeper meaning and purpose of existence.