So all a man could win in the conflict between plague and life was knowledge and memories.

This quote suggests that in the face of a major crisis, such as a plague, what a man stands to gain is not material wealth or physical victory, but rather, knowledge and memories. The ‘plague’ can be seen as a metaphor for any significant hardship or challenge. The ‘conflict’ refers to the struggle or fight against this hardship.

The ‘knowledge’ gained could refer to the insights, wisdom, and understanding that one acquires through enduring and overcoming adversity. This knowledge could be about oneself, others, or the world at large. It’s often through facing difficulties that one learns the most about their strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and limits.

The ‘memories’ could be the experiences and moments that leave a lasting impact on a person. These memories, whether pleasant or painful, shape a person’s character and perspective on life. They serve as reminders of the struggle, the lessons learned, and the growth that occurred.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied to various situations. For instance, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world have been forced to confront numerous challenges. However, through this crisis, many have gained new knowledge and experiences – about public health, about resilience, about community spirit, about personal priorities, and so on.

In terms of personal development, this quote can be seen as a reminder that growth often comes from adversity. Challenges and hardships can be opportunities for learning and self-improvement. They can help us gain important life skills, become more resilient, and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. So, even in the midst of struggle, there is something valuable to be gained – knowledge and memories.