Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Expressing anger can lessen its hold on you, while suppressing it can lead to its growth.
William Blake's quote highlights the importance of communicating one's feelings, particularly anger, in relationships. The contrast between expressing anger towards a friend and keeping it bottled up towards a foe illustrates how unexpressed emotions can fester and expand, potentially leading to larger issues in interpersonal dynamics. This underscores the value of openness and honesty in both friendships and rivalries.
Themes
AngerFriendshipCommunicationEmotionsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about managing conflicts, this quote serves as a reminder to express feelings openly.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
William BlakeRead
Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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